The Resident Bitch's Movie Log

[seanc]

I'm pretty sure I saw this when I was at Blockbuster but can't say 100%. Honestly sounds like the type of premise that would drive me batty.

[cricket]

I've come to love Marissa Tomei but I've never seen that movie.

[Citizen Rules]

I've never seen Untamed Heart, but it sounds like something I would like. I usually like Slater, I haven't seen Marissa Tomei in much, but she's easy on the eyes and that's a plus.

[honeykid]

I've not seen Untamed Heart since the 90's and only a couple of times, but I liked it. Not as much as you though, obviously.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/grossepointeblank.gif

Grosse Pointe Blank (George Armitage, 1997)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119229/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/05/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I felt like it
Rewatch: Yes

Possible Spoilers

From an objective standpoint, this probably isn't a great film. There's nothing revolutionary or even particularly unique about it. It's the story of a man with a lot of secrets who reluctantly agrees to attend his ten-year high school reunion and rekindles a relationship with an old flame. Hilarity and chaos ensues (culminating in him killing a guy with a pen). But with its witty dialogue, great cast, and quick pace it's a whole lot of fun.

Plus John Cusack looks damn sexy in it and that's reason enough to love any movie. :randy:

4+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/rocknrolla.gif

RocknRolla (Guy Ritchie, 2008)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1032755/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/05/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Tom Hardy
Rewatch: No

As is to be expected from any Guy Ritchie film, RocknRolla - though perhaps a little short on substance - is stylish, sexy, colorful, and fun. It also boasts a pretty impressive cast and memorable characters.

I normally don't care at all for Gerard Butler, but he did well to make his "One, Two" a pretty likable guy - despite his homophobic tendencies. Idris Elba, as "Mumbles" as did well as the most level headed of the bunch. But, of course, I was much more interested in the aptly named "Handsome Bob," played by the ever so sexy Tom Hardy, who managed to infuse quite a bit of humanity into his relatively small role.

But this is no drama. This is all about violence, humor, sex, and style. It's entertainment for entertainment's sake and it did its job well.

4+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/leapoffaith.jpg

Leap of Faith (Richard Pearce, 1992)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104695/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/06/17
Cinema or Home: On my portable DVD player in the car
Reason For Watching: I felt like it
Rewatch: Yes

I've never been a fan of Steve Martin. Generally I prefer his banjo music over his movies. His brand of humor just doesn't work for me, but Leap of Faith has always been the one big exception.

When his truck breaks down, evangelical preacher Jonas Nightingale and his crew find themselves stranded in a tiny farming town where the residents are struggling to even feed their families. Not to be put off, they set up there, milking the desperate people for what little they have. Jonas puts on a show that is full of music and flash. He knows these people's worries without them saying a word to him. He makes an old woman get out of her wheelchair and walk. Those he's laid his hands on come away with the mark of the cross. Jesus opens his eyes on the crucifix. And the money comes pouring in.

Martin is fantastic as Jonas Nightingale - a traveling evangelical preacher who cashes in on foolish people's willingness to believe in his "miracles" and his claimed connection with God. He perfectly infuses Jonas with cynicism, greed, and the charisma of a skilled con artist.

The film's other big strong point though is the music. The "angels" of Nightingale's choir create a sound that is rich, boisterous, and uplifting. Unfortunately, the rest of the film is good but not remarkably so. Despite a solid cast - including Debra Winger, Lolita Davidovich, Liam Neeson, Lukas Haas, Meat Loaf, and Philip Seymour Hoffman - the other performances are largely forgettable. And while I do find myself very much engaged with the story, several of the scenes come across as corny and even, well, preachy at times.

But that central performance is so strong and the music is so good that it's very easy for me to overlook the film's shortcomings.

3.5+

[Optimus]

I remember enjoying RockNRolla back when it was released, but it's been such a long time i can only recall little bits.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/cliffhanger.jpg

Cliffhanger (Renny Harlin, 1993)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106582/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/07/17
Cinema or Home: On my portable DVD player in the car
Reason For Watching: I felt like it
Rewatch: Yes

I remember seeing this movie in the theater when I was 12 and thinking it was great. Lots of violence and explosions and lots of scary situations to get the heart pumping. I probably watched it a few more times on home video, but it's been well over 20 years since I last saw it.

And the feeling now just wasn't the same. Granted, watching it on a 7 inch screen in a cramped car while trying to drown out the sound of my parents arguing didn't do the film any favors, but I doubt anything short of the theater would.

In terms of those explosions and violence, it's a decent actioner, but it really has nothing else to offer. The story is stupid. Stallone's love interest is annoying. She's supposedly an experienced rescue climber but freaks out over bats roosting in a cave and does various other dumbass things to put herself and Stallone in danger because... Well basically because she's a woman and you know, they're all stupid and overly dramatic, right? :rolleyes:

John Lithgow plays the villain here, but this performance is no Trinity Killer and he's fairly forgettable. Which pretty much sums up the movie as a whole: Decent, but forgettable. It essentially views as nothing but an excuse for Sylvester Stallone to show off his muscles.

3-

[Nestorio_Miklos]

I like the way you have it organized here and the system of your reviews :):):)👍👍👍

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/pulpfiction.gif

Pulp Fiction (Quentin Tarantino, 1994)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/11/17
Cinema or Home: On my portable DVD player in the car
Reason For Watching: I felt like it
Rewatch: Yes

Quentin Tarantino is known for making films that are stylish and violent and Pulp Fiction epitomizes that. In its time, it also stood as being very much unlike just about anything else that was around. The film is infinitely quotable and iconic.

And yet, I found myself not being especially enamored of it this time around. Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike it. I was entertained. I liked the performances. I liked the look the film. I liked the music. But I didn't love it the way I once did. As I said the performances were good, however none of the characters stood out to me as being anything special. It was more the situations that made the movie. And while I can still enjoy a film that way, without a strong connection to the characters I find myself unable to go beyond just liking it.

4-

[Camo]

Sorry, i was way behind. Of the last 5 or 6, i've seen Grosse Pointe Blank and Pulp Fiction. The former i loved first time, second time i still enjoyed it but didn't laugh much. Pulp Fiction is always good but i like Reservoir Dogs a lot more, it's still my #2 Tarantino though.

[JayDee]

Shame you weren't as enamoured with Cliffhanger as you once were. I still love it. It's got Stallone, some incredible scenery/photography, fun action, several great death scenes and Lithgow hamming it up to delicious levels. I really don't need much more in a film

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/captainfantastic.gif

Captain Fantastic (Matt Ross, 2016)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3553976/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/12/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Pussy Galore's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

I'd never heard of this movie before its nomination in the Hall of Fame and going in I must admit the poster had me kind of worried. The vivid colors and quirky looking people had me concerned this might be a Wes Anderson-esque experience.

Thankfully it wasn't that, but the story it told and its eccentric characters were pretty unlike anything I've seen. However, like a Wes Anderson film, I struggled to connect with the characters - though not because they were stilted like those in Anderson's films. There was definitely a sense of genuine emotion and humanity with them, but I found Viggo Mortensen's patriarch Ben in particular to be pretty damn unlikable for most of the movie. He did eventually redeem himself but by that time I still cared very little for him. I also found the children to be mostly irritating, perhaps with the exception of Rellion, who was the only one to question his father's methods. Ben's in-laws were not especially likable either, but I found myself siding with the father in-law over the film's main conflict.

But, characters aside, the story was good. I did find Ben's viewpoint on life and on the raising of children to be interesting and some aspects of his philosophy definitely had merit. I also liked the way the clash between Ben's idealism and the reality of society was presented, particularly in Bodevan's struggles to interact with regular people. There were also some genuinely heartfelt and funny scenes but ultimately, while still good, Captain Fantastic did not grab me in the way a film like this should.


3+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/springsummer.gif

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (Bom yeoreum gaeul gyeoul geurigo bom) (Kim Ki-Duk, 2003)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374546/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/13/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Nestorio_Miklos's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

Potential Spoilers Ahead

Full disclosure: I did not go into this film with an open mind. Before watching it, I was made aware that it contained actual animal cruelty and I went into it fully expecting to be disgusted by it. Before watching the film, I also did a bit of research and discovered that the actual torture of animals is common in Kim Ki-Duk's films. I also found a video montage of various scenes of cruelty from those films, which included some scenes from Spring, Summer that were not included in the cut of the film that I watched. Here's the link for that video (Contains graphic, potentially disturbing content): https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CrA4BIGlvqg

The film attempts to convey the concepts of cruelty, lust, guilt, anger, and rebirth. Unfortunately, not all of these concepts are handled with much subtlety and the idea of cruelty and guilt in particular were hammered in ad nauseum. This is especially true of those scenes of animal torture that I was warned about, which are shown in the beginning and then repeated later in the film - intercut with scenes of the central character inflicting similar punishment upon himself, as if we the audience couldn't make the connection on our own and needed the heavy-handed reminder. :rolleyes:

As to the nature of that brutality, let me spell it out: a child is shown torturing a fish, a frog, and a snake by tightly tying them to stones and laughing with delight as they struggle to move. Later the fish and snake are shown dead and the frog is shown still struggling. More sickening still are the scenes that were cut from the American release of the film, which is the version I watched. The American cut shows a second child tormenting a turtle by rolling it around and poking at it, merely hinting at this child's cruel nature. But the version seen elsewhere shows that child wedging rocks into the mouths of a fish, a snake, and a frog while gleefully laughing at their suffering. We see the frog - an air-breathing creature - upside down in the water, its head pulled down from the weight of the stone, kicking in a vain attempt to free itself from the object that will otherwise drown it.

While it is, of course, unclear whether the dead animals were in fact the same as those shown being abused or if they were killed specifically for the film, it is apparent that the director has little regard for the lives and safety of the animals he uses, despite the message of the film he created. And given his history of torturing and killing these kinds of animals in other films, I can only assume that he is responsible for these deaths as well.

That said, the film is not without its strengths. The cinematography is beautiful, the performances are strong, and the concept is admirable (though the execution is not). But frankly I don't give a s*** about what Spring, Summer does right, because what it does wrong is completely unnecessary and unacceptable.

1-

[Optimus]

Interesting write up on Pulp Fiction Vicky. I haven't seen it myself for quite some time so i might give it ago while i'm of work.

[edarsenal]

been QUITE a while since reading your reviews, the first, Pinocchio was 3 weeks ago. Which is a Disney oldie I REALLY need to revisit.
I remember loving Untamed Heart back in the day, I'd probably enjoy it now as well. Been quite a fan of sappy *****, even more so recently lol
Big fan of Grosse Pointe Blank. Actually lived about a mile away, in Detroit, when this was being filmed. And watch RocknRolla A LOT
and I haven't seen Leap of Faith since it came out.
I get what you're saying about Pulp Fiction. I practically know the film front to back from the countless times I've watched it, but, yeah, sometimes, I sorta shrug my shoulders at it. The other times, I cheer. But those so-so times DO occur.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/thegreatdictator.gif

The Great Dictator (Charles Chaplin, 1940)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032553/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/14/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Silent Vamp's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

Charlie Chaplin was a man of great skill and - as the film's writer, director, and star - his skills were on full display here. The concept of The Great Dictator is quite brilliant, the film itself looked great, and the timing and physicality of Chaplin's dual performances are very impressive.

That said, I had a tough time with this one. While some of the gags nearly brought a smile to my face, most of them - like those in the other Chaplin films I've seen - simply fell flat for me. This isn't really the fault of the film, though. I can definitely see how someone who appreciates slapstick/physical comedy would enjoy the film, but that type of comedy just doesn't appeal to me. Making matters worse, the repetition of some of these gags made the film's two hour run time feel considerably longer and at times I struggled to engage. However, the situation improved considerably by the film's final scene. And it's mostly for that scene that I give The Great Dictator a favorable rating. The barber's speech was poignant, moving, and still relevant all these many years later.

3.5-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/wingsofdesire.gif

Wings of Desire (Der Himmel über Berlin) (Wim Wenders, 1987)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093191/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/15/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, CosmicRunaway's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

Well, that was... that was something. Something that I didn't like. Something that seemed to drag on endlessly. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm not necessarily against films that are quietly contemplative. When done well it can be a very moving and emotional experience. But this wasn't that. It wasn't that for me at all.

From a visual standpoint, Wings of Desire is absolutely gorgeous. Whether the scenes were in black and white or in vivid color, the images were breathtaking and evocative. I also really liked the basic concept of the film and felt there was some definite potential in it, but my praise for it really ends there.

The constant repetition of certain phrases ("When the child was a child..."), the near total lack of humor, and the endless droning of people's ridiculously melancholy thoughts combined to nearly eliminate my interest in it. I felt every damn minute of its two hour run time and actually ended up taking a break about 2/3 of the way through. I get that there is beauty in most things, including sadness and despair, but I really didn't buy that the rather narrow view of life that the film presented would be enough to ignite the angel's desire to become human. And, frankly, I found his lady love Marion to be not so much intriguing as irritating, particularly in the final scenes.

2

[MonnoM]

Even though this is one of my favorite films and I disagree with you entirely, I still think this is a good review. Well written, thorough, yet to the point. I agree with Nestorio, your reviews are nicely organized.

But that rating hurts my heart.

[Camo]

Even though this is one of my favorite films and I disagree with you entirely, I still think this is a good review. Well written, thorough, yet to the point. I agree with Nestorio, your reviews are nicely organized.

But that rating hurts my heart.

Do you like it better than Paris, Texas? Don't think i've spoke to anyone that has a favourite Wenders that isn't that.

That's the only one i've seen, well until i watch this for the HOF, was just curious.

[JayDee]

Wow you're flying through the HoF nominees MV. Nice job :up:

[MonnoM]

Do you like it better than Paris, Texas? Don't think i've spoke to anyone that has a favourite Wenders that isn't that.

That's the only one i've seen, well until i watch this for the HOF, was just curious.

I've actually never seen Paris, Texas. I know, I know. I'll add it to my watchlist now.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/buffalo66.gif

Buffalo '66 (Vincent Gallo, 1998)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118789/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/16/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Camo's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

This film was a very different experience than what I'm accustomed to. I disliked pretty much everyone on the screen and most of the behavior of its characters felt unnatural and tough to buy. And yet, I found it all somehow fascinating.

In spite - or perhaps because - of the bizarre behavior, the performances were universally strong. Writer, director, star Vincent Gallo was particularly good as Billy, the film's greasy, crude and unlikable protagonist (though after a little research on the man, I have to wonder how much of this performance was an act). Christina Ricci brings a tenderness and patience to her role as "Layla" that feels very much out of place in the contrast to other characters.

On the more technical aspects, if there was a soundtrack I can't recall it. What I did very much notice though was the look of the film. The dark and gritty cinematography really enhanced the film's seedy atmosphere. I also thought that the transitions to flashbacks were handled in a very interesting way.

But this praise is something that I come by in hindsight. I mostly felt a vague sense of disgust and a sort of morbid curiosity when I was watching it. Ultimately this is a film that I like more on reflection than I did during the actual viewing. I suspect it would benefit from a rewatch at some point, but I doubt that will actually happen.

3+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/quietearth.gif

The Quiet Earth (Geoffrey Murphy, 1985)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089869/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/17/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Clazor's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

You'll have to forgive this rambling write-up, but I really don't have a whole lot to say about this one. Everything about The Quiet Earth just felt very average. The film's concept was interesting, but not especially original. The film looked good but, save for maybe two or three scenes, was not particularly impressive or memorable. (Actually really the only scenes that stood out to me at all were Zac's speech from the balcony, his behavior in the church, and the Inception-esque scene in the gif above.) The performances were good, but mostly unremarkable. I felt a very weak sort of involvement with the characters - I kind of cared what happened to them, but probably wouldn't have shed a tear if one or two had died along the way. I never felt bored with it - probably largely thanks to the film's relative brevity - but I also wasn't invested enough to bother giving much thought to the rather ambiguous ending.

Ultimately this was not a bad way to spend 90 minutes, but not a great way either.

3+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/themarriageofmariabraun.jpg

The Marriage of Maria Braun (Die Ehe der Maria Braun) (Rainer Werner Fassbinder, 1978)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079095/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/18/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Cricket's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

I really, really hated Maria Braun. She was ruthless, manipulative, remorseless, and cold. But watching her journey from being lost in a country torn apart by war to being strong and independent was a fascinating one and I did fee l a bit of respect along with my hatred. That's due in large part to Hanna Schygulla As Maria Braun, she was absolutely fantastic and my strong feelings about the character are a testament to the quality of the performance.

Unfortunately, however, there was little else that I liked about the film. I felt the other performances were largely forgettable, the cinematography was good but unremarkable, and I found the score to be rather intrusive at times. Still, the central performance was strong enough to maintain my interest throughout.

3.5-

[the samoan lawyer]

I gave that the same score as you and pretty much agree with what you said. Saying that, this is the film that piqued my interest in Fassbinder. Also, I loved the ending in this.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/threemusketeers.jpg

The Three Musketeers (Richard Lester, 1973)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072281/?ref_=nv_sr_2)

Date Watched: 04/20/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Edarsenal's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

I don't mind silliness in movies - hell, I've got Encino Man in my personal top 100 - but this often felt like I was watching a bad Mel Brooks knockoff (not that I'm a fan of Brooks, either). Upon doing a little research, I discovered that it was originally intended to star The Beatles, which I think explains at least some of the film's lunacy. Regardless, the humor just didn't work for me. This was due in large part to the fact that, with the exception of Oliver Reed's Athos, I found the characters incredibly irritating and none moreso than Michael York's D'Artagnan. I actually cringed whenever he was on the screen.

I do have to give some credit to the set and costume design though (and it is mostly for this that I give the movie its rating). The film looked great and I do appreciate a good period piece. I also liked the basic idea of the story, though how faithful it was to the source I don't know. I've never actually read Alexandre Dumas' book nor seen another film adaptation of it (unless you count The Man in the Iron Mask). Were this version to have taken the attempt at humor down a couple of notches and gone at least a slightly more serious route I might've actually enjoyed myself, but as it was I found it to be a bit of a chore to get through.

2.5-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/forbiddengames.gif

Forbidden Games (Jeux interdits) (René Clément, 1952)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043686/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/22/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Jeff Costello's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

When the nominations for the 13th Hall of Fame were announced, this was the movie I was most looking forward to. I had seen Clement's Plein Soleil for a previous HOF and had really enjoyed it. So I had hoped to have a similar experience with this. Sadly, that was not to be.

I thought the children - particularly Brigitte Fossey as Paulette - gave really excellent performances, but I found pretty much everything else about the movie to be rather underwhelming. The other performances just felt very flat and the characters were irritating (though, of course, I realize I'm not meant to like them). There was also nothing in the set design or cinematography that stood out as anything special either.

I also was very much bothered by some of the scenes involving the dog, particularly those in which the dog is shown laying limply while kicking its rear legs. I can only hope that this was the result of some sort of sedative, but I could not find any information on how it was accomplished. Some of the other scenes featured an obviously fake, stuffed dog but still others appeared to use an actual dead dog that was, in turns, very stiff or very limp. I found it both worrying and distracting.

But I think even without those bothersome scenes I would've found this film to be mostly a disappointment and I was rather bored with it overall.

2.5

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/thehunt.gif

The Hunt (Jagten) (Thomas Vinterberg, 2012)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2106476/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/24/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Neiba's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

This is the tenth nominated film - out of fifteen, not including my own - that I have watched for this Hall of Fame. While there were some nominated films that I respected, I was really starting to lose hope that I would find at least one that I genuinely enjoyed.

It finally happened. Like the other Vinterberg film I've seen - Festen, which I also watched for a HOF - Jagten tells a story that deals with deeply disturbing and damaging accusations and it is brought to heartwrenching life through stellar performances and very unsettling scenes. But where Festen examined the long lasting damage caused when those accusations are true, Jagten takes the opposite approach - showcasing the destruction that results from false accusations.

Ultimately, I found this film to be both challenging and frustrating - but in a very good way. It was very frustrating to know the truth behind the lies and to have to watch as a man's life was ruined. And yet I had to ask myself how I would react if such accusations were made against someone I knew. Who would I believe? If that person was shown to be innocent, would I still have doubt? And all I can say is I don't know. But I love that this film had me asking these questions. I love that it did more than just entertain, it really made me think. Still, having seen it only once I won't call it a favorite and I'm hesitant to rate it any higher than this but it will take something extraordinary for Jagten to not take second place on my HOF ballot.

4+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/brokencirclebreakdown.gif

The Broken Circle Breakdown (Felix van Groeningen, 2012)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2024519/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/26/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, ScarlettLion's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

I had no idea what to expect going into this film, but what I found was a really beautiful and intimate look at the relationship between two people with little in common but their love for each other and for the child they have together. And it's the relationship as a whole, from their instant attraction to each other to the tragedies that tear them apart.

I really liked the way this film was structured. It's not an entirely linear story - we see the relationship as it begins while also seeing it as it begins to unravel and the film cuts between scenes of the two, with some great bluegrass performances interspersed throughout. One moment we see a joyous scene and the next a heartbreaking one.

The central performances were really strong, too. Johan Heldenbergh as Didier and Veerle Baetens as Elise both fully embodied their characters. They both felt very human and very real. Making their performances even more impressive is the fact that both did their own singing. They sounded wonderful and the music is definitely one of the film's highlights.

While I can't say that I absolutely loved The Broken Circle Breakdown on this initial viewing, I definitely see a lot of potential for my appreciation of this highly emotional and well crafted film to grow if I were to watch it again.

4+

[JayDee]

Not seen the film but I think that's a great review MV. :up: I felt you were able to convey a lot about the film and how you felt about it without having to go on forever like I often do. :D

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/deadpoetssociety.gif

Dead Poets Society (Peter Weir, 1989)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/30/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Sarge's Nomination
Rewatch: Yes, but it had been a very long time and I remembered almost nothing about it.

This is a movie that I probably should have liked. The story was both uplifting and incredibly sad and the performances were mostly strong, particularly from Robin Williams and Robert Sean Leonard. However, something about it just didn't work for me.

Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood for it - I know this is a generally well loved film - but it struck me as being rather corny and contrived. Where the filmmakers expected me to be inspired or else heartbroken, I found myself feeling nothing. In fact, I was so detached from the film that I actually burst out laughing at what was actually a tragic scene (though in my defense, the slow motion screaming of "No!" was pretty damn ridiculous). It is an odd thing though, considering that there are a few films I really love that are even more corny and contrived than this (I'm looking at you, With Honors!). Perhaps this film's lack of nostalgia for me was also a factor? I'm not sure of the reason, but I just couldn't get into this one.

3-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/fleshandblood.jpg

Flesh + Blood (Paul Verhoeven, 1985)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089153/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/02/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Blix the Goblin's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

I should hate this movie. The acting was awful, pretty much across the board. These horrible performances really made me think of a certain infamous Verhoeven film (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114436/?ref_=nv_sr_1) that would come a decade later. And, like that other film, the dialogue was laughably bad. As to the story? I frequently felt like I was watching the film version of all those trashy period romance novels I used to read as a teenager.

But like those sh!tty books - and like Showgirls, which is actually in my top 100 - Flesh + Blood was actually very entertaining. All of the characters were pretty despicable people and I didn't find myself emotionally invested in any of them, but the movie still kept my attention in a train-wreck sort of way. Which is not to say that there weren't any genuinely positive things about the film. I thought it actually looked really good. The sets and costuming - while not overly ornate - were well done and many of the battle scenes were exciting.

Ultimately, as much as I ought to dock the film for all its weaknesses, I can't help but give it a positive rating because damned if I didn't have fun with it.

3.5-

[honeykid]

Nice to see Flesh + Blood getting such praise from you, MV. :up: It's on my 100, so obviously I love it, though I've not seen it for a long time.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/nightmarealley.gif

Nightmare Alley (Edmund Goulding, 1947)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039661/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/05/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, Citizen Rules's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

I had a lot of trouble engaging with this film and I'm not entirely sure why. I thought the writing was pretty strong - even if the story was a bit predictable - and the performances were good (and not too theatrical). I also liked the look of the film's sets and costumes. I think overall it did a lot of things right.

But I still just wasn't enjoying it. I think a significant part of the problem was that I wasn't particularly invested in the characters. especially Stan. I disliked pretty much every character in the movie, but not strongly enough to even want something bad to happen to them. I realize the fault here lies with me and not the film, but I determine my ratings (and, ultimately, the rankings on my HOF ballot) based on my experience watching the film.

One thing I did find interesting - and also bizarre - was the concept of a geek. Carnivals/sideshow attractions were never something that particularly interested me and so until tonight I was only familiar with the modern usage of the word. People do some really weird ***** in the name of entertainment.

3+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/manchesterbythesea.gif

Manchester by the Sea (Kenneth Lonergan, 2016)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4034228/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/06/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, rauldc14's Nomination
Rewatch: No.

Well, that was really depressing.

I thought this was a really beautiful movie both in terms of aesthetics and content. I've never been much of a fan of Casey Affleck - and having seen virtually no other movies from last year, I don't know how well deserved his Oscar was - but I thought his performance here was very good. I think he conveyed Lee's sort of broken numbness quite well. I thought the other performances were solid as well. I also thought the location and the perpetual cold really added to the mood of the film.

I also have to give respect to the film for how "there" I felt like I was in many of the scenes. The awkwardness of the funeral reception scene and some of the others where Lee is having to interact with well-meaning people - who are kind of just making things worse - was palpable. I was cringing so hard. I also really felt the anguish and the love between Lee and Randi when they met on the street and I broke down in tears.

Having said all that, though, I didn't quite love it. It's a quietly devastating and wonderfully crafted film, but it's also a very difficult watch. It felt like one long series of heartbreaking scenes with little emotional relief. And because of that, I don't know that this is a movie I would want to watch again, and if I do it won't be anytime soon.

4

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/aristocats.gif

The Aristocats (Wolfgang Reitherman, 1970)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065421/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/11/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I felt like it
Rewatch: I think so?

The best word I can think of to describe this film is lackluster.

I wouldn't say there's anything truly bad about it (though I did cringe at certain racial stereotypes, particularly with the Siamese cat), but there's nothing especially good about it either. The animation is, by Disney standards, pretty damn mediocre. The slapstick comedy (of which there was entirely too much) fell flat. The songs were forgettable. The characters were forgettable. As for the story? Disney basically ripped itself off by redoing Lady and the Tramp but with cats - and without the romance and charm that made the other film a classic.

2.5

[rauldc14]

I actually enjoy Aristocats. Not a great movie, but a fun watch.

[Camo]

Not a fan of Aristocats either. I hate the animation in it, the only good thing is that Marie is really adorable.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/sing.gif

Sing (Christophe Lourdelet and Garth Jennings, 2016)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3470600/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 05/13/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: A friend gave me the bluray for my birthday
Rewatch: No.

If this had not been an animated movie with cute animal characters, I probably would've hated it. I don't watch American Idol or The Voice or any of the other singing/talent competition shows, because I find them irritating. I also avoided this movie at the theater because it looked a little too much like a musical.

But it was an animated movie with cute animal characters and it wasn't a musical. It was actually quite funny and the animation was rather well done. I genuinely laughed and enjoyed myself. I even liked the music. Granted, it's no Pixar movie. It didn't make me cry and I didn't have a strong emotional investment in the characters, but it was very entertaining.

3.5

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/robots.jpg

Robots (Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha, 2005)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0358082/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/13/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I had a friend over and she wanted to watch it.
Rewatch: Yes.

I saw this movie in the theater many years ago and really enjoyed it, so I bought the DVD and watched maybe a couple more times, but I'd largely forgotten it since then. It doesn't have much of a reputation, I never see it get talked about, and probably haven't watched it in a decade, so it was almost as if I was watching it for the first time last night.

And I was in for a treat. The movie is really silly, but it's silly in all the right ways. It's full of eccentric characters and those characters inhabit a wildly imaginative world that often feels more like an amusement park than any sort of normal town. It also features a solid voice cast including Robin Williams, Ewan McGregor, Greg Kinnear, Halle Berry, Paul Giamatti, and Mel Brooks who do well to help keep the laughs coming.

Ultimately though, the story is light on substance or emotional impact, but that's not really a bad thing. Sometimes it's good to just have fun and I had a lot of fun watching this.


4

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/danceswithwolves2.jpg

Dances With Wolves (Kevin Costner, 1990)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099348/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/14/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 13th HOF, My Nomination
Rewatch: Of course.

Dances With Wolves is the epitome of the word epic. With its sweeping vistas, breathtaking cinematography, incredible score, attention to detail, and a story that is at once wonderfully uplifting and terribly heartbreaking, it is a film to be experienced and not merely watched.

Director, producer, and star Kevin Costner brings to his role of John Dunbar a certain charm, curiosity, and sensitivity that serve the character well and remind me why he was once my favorite actor. The other actors also did well to embody their characters with Graham Greene being a particular standout as the intelligent, level headed, and equally curious Kicking Bird. His interactions with Dunbar and with his wife were among my favorite scenes.

There is also a great sense of authenticity to what the film shows. It is not without creative license, historical inaccuracy, and romanticism, but it's apparent that great pains were taken to make everything feel real. The tipis and the costumes were made from naturally tanned and dyed buffalo hide, the actors - who were of different tribes - all learned to speak Lakota, and a herd of 3,000 bison was used in the hunting scene.

But what is most impressive about this film is its emotional impact - both in terms of the feelings it conveys and those it evokes. The writing, music, and camerawork all come together beautifully to capture a sense of longing and of loss - not just for the culture of the native peoples, but for the plains themselves and for the animals that inhabited them.

It also casts a harsh spotlight on the greed, selfishness, cruelty, and waste of the white soldiers and settlers of the time. Watching this film and seeing the frontier and its people through Dunbar's eyes I find it impossible not to feel the sense of disgust that he feels and also perhaps some shame over the history of my nation.

I've seen many people look down on this film because they find it unworthy of the accolades and awards it received (especially in comparison to a certain Martin Scorsese film), but movies like this are the very reason why I love movies. I want to be moved. I want to feel what the characters feel. I want to fall in love as they do. I want to laugh with them. I want to cry with them. And I want to come away from it all with the desire to go back to it again and again. Dances With Wolves does all of that.

5

[rauldc14]

Probably my next choice to watch, unless I rewatch my own first.

[seanc]

I gotta see Dances With Wolves again. Feel like I have it memorized but I am probably 15 years removed at this point. I have always loved it. Probably would have been in my top ten if I joined Mofo at age 20.

[MovieMeditation]

I used to love Robots too back in the day when it came out. Haven't seen it in so long though.

You already know I love Dances with Wolves. :up:

[seanc]

Dances With Wolves is only ever brought up as the film that unjustly beat Goodfellas. I had that in my head when i first watched it and Goodfellas was my favourite film and i was like 12 and valued the Oscars alot more than i do now, i was baffled by how good Dances With Wolves is.

If i was on the committee voting i would have voted Goodfellas but Dances With Wolves is one of the best-Best Picture winners so i think that was fair enough

I like Goodfellas, but have room in my heart for both. Just like I do for Pulp Fiction and...gulp...Forrest Gump.

[seanc]

You Gump diehards!

I just rewatched it last week. Yeah, it's great.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/toystory.gif

Toy Story (John Lasseter, 1995)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114709/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/19/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I felt like it
Rewatch: Yes.

As much as I love children's animation and Pixar in particular, I've never been crazy about this movie. I respect what it represents in terms of the state of CG animation at the time and how it broke ground for many movies that came later. I also think it's a funny and entertaining film with excellent voice performances.

However, I just don't see what others see in it. It doesn't help that it was released during my anti-animation phase or that the first time I saw it I had to watch the Spanish dub (for a Spanish class in high school), but the biggest problem is that it just doesn't move me. Sure, it makes me laugh, but I can only engage with it on a very superficial level. It lacks the magic of some of the Pixar films that followed and no matter how many times I see it, I don't think I'll ever love it.

4-

P.S. I also rewatched Inner Workings and Moana, but my feelings on those (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1617818#post1617818) haven't changed and I didn't feel like writing them up again.

[cricket]

I didn't care for any of the Toy Story movies¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Miss Vicky]

I didn't care for any of the Toy Story movies¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I actually really liked the third one but I found the second one kind of forgettable. I just don't get the rabid love of them that some people have.

[mark f]

True love for me.

[Camo]

I thought you'd rate that alot lower. Toy Story is good, it's my least favourite of the Trilogy but is still solid.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/bronson.gif

Bronson (Nicholas Winding Refn, 2008)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172570/?ref_=tttr_tr_tt)

Date Watched: 05/21/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I got the blu ray for my birthday and felt like watching it
Rewatch: Yes

There's not a whole lot of substance to this tale of the infamous "Charles Bronson," Britain's most violent prisoner. However, there is a lot of style, a lot of violence, and an absolutely mesmerizing central performance.

Indeed this is my favorite performance from Tom Hardy and, no, getting to see quite literally all of him is not the reason (though it doesn't hurt :randy: ), but rather because I forget that I'm even watching him at all. He absolutely sinks his teeth into this role, infusing his performance with manic energy and a certain charm and charisma that is at once intriguing and frightening. I simply cannot take my eyes off him from start to finish and it makes for one very entertaining film watching experience.

4+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/mandingo.jpg

Mandingo (Richard Fleischer, 1975)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073349/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/25/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I felt like watching something trashy
Rewatch: Yes

Mandingo is sort of like the Showgirls of the Antebellum South.

Judging by some of the reviews I've read on IMDb and elsewhere, there are people that would have you believe that this is a serious indictment of the cruelty and hypocrisy in the American South during the time of slavery, both in terms of the treatment of the slaves and the inequality of the sexes among the whites.

But it really is a poorly written, even more poorly acted (especially from Susan George), campy AF excuse to portray interracial sex, rape, and incest. But I'm not complaining. Perry King looked great naked. There's lots of boobs for those who want them and I suppose fans of boxing might also find it interesting to see Ken Norton try (and fail) to act. But mostly it's just a cross between a softcore porno and a sh!tty romance novel.

3.5-


* * *

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/drum.jpg

Drum (Steve Carver and Burt Kennedy, 1976)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074437/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_21)

Date Watched: 05/25/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I felt like watching more trash
Rewatch: No

This is supposed to be a sequel to Mandingo, but it only kind of is. The movie is based on Drum, the novel by Kyle Onstott, which is the sequel to the novel Mandingo (and is among many in the Falconhurst series). However, its links to the first movie are tenuous at best.

Ken Norton returns in the lead - a mulatto slave who is the son of a white madam - but this is a different character than his role in the first film. Brenda Sykes returns as well, also playing a different character. The only returning character is Hammond Maxwell, but he bears almost no resemblance to the Hammond Maxwell of the first film, either in appearance or behavior. We're also introduced to Maxwell's daughter Sophy, who is given little explanation for her existence (the character appeared as in infant in the novel Mandingo but was omitted from the film).

Not that any of this really matters, because the story wasn't my reason for watching either film. I wanted trash and I got it, though even in that regard the film was a bit of a disappointment. The film turned the white-woman-wanting-black-men bit up a few notches, threw in a lesbian scene, and gay male characters (villains :rolleyes:) but still managed to be far less titillating than the first despite the abundance of ti... I mean, breasts.

2.5

[Camo]

I don't really like the film Bronson that much but Hardy is great. It's my favourite of his too.

[cricket]

I don't really like the film Bronson that much but Hardy is great. It's my favourite of his too.

Yea Hardy was great but I was very disappointed in the movie.

[Camo]

Yea Hardy was great but I was very disappointed in the movie.

I've definitely considered using your avatar after a 'sick burn', it's the best because it seems like you ran away without hearing anything: you just did the off :laugh:

[Camo]

By 'you' i meant me for the record.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/deadmentellnotales.gif

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790809/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 05/29/17
Cinema or Home: Cinema
Reason For Watching: Pirates, also Johnny Depp
Rewatch: No.

I was among the few who actually enjoyed the fourth installment of this series - due in no small part to the absence of a certain actor who made his name playing an elf. So it was not with celebration that I greeted the news of that elf's return to this franchise.

Mercifully, his role is very small and the film keeps its focus on Jack Sparrow and on the new undead villain, played with relish by Javier Bardem. Also mercifully, the film does not linger too long on bland newcomers Brenton Thwaites and Kaya Scodelario who play the next generation of POTC sidekicks.

There's nothing groundbreaking going on this film, but I had a good time with it because I wasn't expecting anything revolutionary. It's just a fun action adventurer with some cool special effects and an iconic lead character. It's nowhere near as good as the original, but a fun watch nevertheless.

3.5+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/beautyandthebeast2017.gif

Beauty and the Beast (Bill Condon, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2771200/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 06/09/17
Cinema or Home: Friend's house
Reason For Watching: I had dinner at a friend's house and she wanted to watch it.
Rewatch: No.

As much as I love animation, I've never cared for the 1991 film. I don't like musicals and I don't like heavy fantasy, so it was without any excitement that I heard the news of this live action remake and I was not exactly thrilled when my friend suggested we watch it tonight.

That said, this version of Stockholm Syndrome: The Movie is actually rather well done. The set design and costumes were beautiful, the CGI was quite good (though the wolves still didn't quite look right), and the performances were at least decent. However, I still hated the songs and still didn't give a crap about any of the characters, least of all the enchanted furniture, dishes, etc. Ultimately - while I respect the effort put into it - I'm just as apathetic to this beastly tale as I was to the animated one.

P.S. - Did we really need the addition of the "tragic" backstory to explain Beast's cruelty and make us feel sorry for him? Sometimes people are just ***holes because they can be.
:rolleyes:

3-

[ShopkeeperTriumph]

I didn't care for it much either, but I love the original film. The new one's successes are really owed to the original, mainly the songs, but even then Emma Watson's so-so vocal makes them less of a powerhouse. This isn't my least favorite recent Disney remake, that would have to go to Maleficent, but it's the one I least respect, because it does almost nothing new.

[rauldc14]

I watched it yesterday too. I didn't like it very much, although it was watchable.

[cricket]

You going to participate in the 40's countdown?

You see Beauty and the Beast (1946)?

[Miss Vicky]

You going to participate in the 40's countdown?

You see Beauty and the Beast (1946)?

I'll probably submit a partial list at least but I don't really plan on doing any watching specifically for the countdown. I do intend to watch Gaslight (1944) and One Million B.C., but that's because one of my favorite YouTubers was talking about the former and because the latter stars Victor Mature and is available on Youtube. If I like Gaslight, I may watch the 1940 version of it too since it's available on Amazon Prime streaming.

[cricket]

I liked Gaslight a lot but haven't seen the other one.

[Miss Vicky]

One Million B.C. looks terrible, but also potentially so bad it's good -which is what I hope for from anything starring Mature.

[cricket]

You like Victor Mature? I mean there's nothing wrong with him; it just seems random.

[Miss Vicky]

Yep. I've liked him since I was a teenager. I think he was a terrible actor and I don't find him attractive at all, but I think he's entertaining. If my count is correct, I've seen 13 of his movies.

[cricket]

I love My Darling Clementine which he's in, but I'm not sure it's your type of movie.

I do have 1 40's movie I think you'll like, if you wanna do that swap again.

[Miss Vicky]

I didn't care for My Darling Clementine.

I think the only 40s movie I truly care about is Bambi and I assume you've already seen that, so I don't know about doing a swap.

[rauldc14]

I would like to recommend a movie to you from 40s, if possible.

[cricket]

I think the only 40s movie I truly care about is Bambi and I assume you've already seen that, so I don't know about doing a swap.

It doesn't have to be a 40's movie that you make me watch. There's plenty of time left anyway.

[JayDee]

Yeah I'd rate about Beauty and the Beast about the same as you MV. Thought it was decent but that was about it. And like you the animated film was never one of my absolute favourites, always preferred Aladdin and Lion King. In terms of the live-action remakes I'd definitely have it behind The Jungle Book.

Had the friend that wanted to watch it already seen it? If not what did they think?

[Miss Vicky]

And like you the animated film was never one of my absolute favourites, always preferred Aladdin and Lion King.
I don't like either of those movies. :laugh:

In terms of the live-action remakes I'd definitely have it behind The Jungle Book.
I haven't watched any of the others. Don't really intend to, either.

Had the friend that wanted to watch it already seen it? If not what did they think?
Yeah, she'd seen it before. But she's a fan of musicals and did theater when she was in high school.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/themummy.gif

The Mummy (Alex Kurtzman, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2345759/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 06/11/17
Cinema or Home: Cinema
Reason For Watching: Russell Crowe
Rewatch: No.

As a die hard fan of Russell Crowe, I will watch absolutely any film he's in. And while this has led me to watching some gems, it's also resulted in me enduring crap like Winter's Tale, Man of Steel, The Man With the Iron Fist, and Noah.

The Mummy isn't quite crap, but I wouldn't say it's particularly good either. Whereas other films on the subject took a comical approach or at least were aware of their own ridiculousness, this film takes things entirely too seriously. Which is not to say that it doesn't attempt some comic relief, it's just that those attempts fall flat. But that's not the only thing that just doesn't quite work. The Mummy is a film that can't decide what it is. Is it an action movie? Is it a horror movie? Is it an adventure movie? It tries to be all three but doesn't do any of it particularly well. As to other aspects, several parts of the story made no real sense, the CG was decent, but too often was very obvious and the performances were passable, if unimpressive.

There really isn't anything this film did right, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still entertained by the whole convoluted mess.

3+

[nebbit]

Finally I'm up to date with your reviews :yup: really enjoyed them :yup:

[Camo]

Just watched the 40's Beauty and the Beast for the HOF, liked it quite a bit. Kinda interested in seeing that one now.

[JayDee]

I don't like either of those movies. :laugh:


Oh I'm well aware of that fact. I just chalk it up to you being a lost cause. :p

Glad you were able to find enough about The Mummy to enjoy it even if you were very short of positives about it. :D While I've been keeping track of your thread I've not commented for a while. I was surprised by how much you liked Sing. For some reason I thought that would have been too cutesy and saccharine for your tastes. And that's before even getting to the assault on pop music. I really need to watch Robots one day. It's got to be just about the biggest computer animated film that I've not seen. As I believe you know I love all of the Toy Story films, particularly the first two which in addition to being brilliant films hold real nostalgia for me

As always you're doing a great job with this thread MV; I love seeing how you've embraced it. :up:

You planning on returning to the cinema in the near future for either Cars 3 or Despicable Me 3?

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/legobatman.gif

The Lego Batman Movie (Chris McKay, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4116284/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 06/16/17
Cinema or Home: Friend's house
Reason For Watching: My friend wanted to watch it
Rewatch: No.

I really didn't care for The Lego Movie, so when The Lego Batman Movie was announced, I wasn't exactly excited for it and had no intention of seeing it.

Well, I wasn't crazy about it but it was entertaining. I liked the little jabs at the previous Batman incarnations and the jabs at the weird dynamic between Alfred and Bruce Wayne and between Batman and Robin. All the pop culture references were also fairly amusing. I also thought the voice performances were mostly strong and Will Arnett is the perfect voice for Batman.

However, the repetitive jokes started to run thin at around the halfway point and the movie felt overly long. I would've enjoyed it more if they'd trimmed the fat a little bit, but overall it was a fun watch. Probably not something I'll revisit, but fun.

3.5-

[Miss Vicky]

You planning on returning to the cinema in the near future for either Cars 3 or Despicable Me 3?

Yes, I plan to see both and after my WONDERFUL experience at the theater last time (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1718276#post1718276), I have plenty of free movie passes. :mad:

[JayDee]

I'm in the same boat as you.in that I also didn't massively care for The Lego Movie (not to the level most did anyway) so am not overly desperate to see the Batman version. Part of that is that I also didn't think Batman was the absolute star of The Lego Movie as so many reviewers and fans were saying. Plus I'm also just really burnt out on Batman as a whole. But I'm glad you enjoyed it. Did you like it more than The Lego Movie then?

And damn that's some sh!tty customer service you had to deal with. I'm pleased to hear about the end result though. Though I think you should sell the passes on ebay and use the money to go to another cinema; take your valued patronage elsewhere! :D

[Miss Vicky]

And damn that's some sh!tty customer service you had to deal with. I'm pleased to hear about the end result though. Though I think you should sell the passes on ebay and use the money to go to another cinema; take your valued patronage elsewhere! :D

Nah, that's too much effort. Besides, I don't much care for the cinema in the next town over. Also I sneak in food, so they're not going to get any money out of me even at the concession stand anyway.

And, yeah, I liked The Lego Batman Movie better than The Lego Movie, but that's not saying much.

[Miss Vicky]

I've been meaning to post about these for over a week now, but visiting family and a crazy work schedule have taken up my time and drained my energy. Apologies for the crap quality of my writing.

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/lou.jpg

Lou (Dave Mullins, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6267732/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 6/22/17
Cinema or Home: Cinema
Reason For Watching: It’s Pixar
Rewatch: No

This is the short that appears before Cars 3. The visuals in this didn't blow me away like Piper did and the basic story it tells - of a bully made to see the error of his ways - isn't particularly original. However, Lou has a very unique take on the tale and presents its themes in a very creative and entertaining way. As was the case when I saw Finding Dory, I found myself more impressed by the short than by the feature that followed it.

4

* * *

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/cars3.gif

Cars 3 (Brian Fee, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3606752/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 06/22/17
Cinema or Home: Cinema
Reason For Watching: It’s Pixar
Rewatch: No

Despite it often being maligned by other film fans, I've always really loved the original Cars. I appreciated how everything the characters did felt really familiar and yet still was very car-like, if that makes any sense. Then Pixar kind of threw that out the window with the spy-themed Cars 2 - which I enjoyed but it was definitely a let-down. Now Lightning McQueen and company are back with a film that returns to that more car-like world and basically puts blinders on to the existence of the second film.

Unfortunately, though, it too fails to quite capture what the original had. Some of the new characters don't quite seem to serve much purpose and there are wasted opportunities for some real excitement, like the demolition derby that leaves Lightning dirty but without a single scratch on him. There's also a sort of Girl Power theme running through the second half in particular that feels a bit forced and culminates in an ending that I don't quite buy.

I also found much of the soundtrack irritating and the inclusion James Bay's lackluster cover of Tom Petty's "King's Highway" didn't help matters

This is a film that will never make any future favorites lists of mine, but I had fun with it and it's certainly something I'll revisit later on.

3.5

P.S. Among the trailers that preceded the film was one for Olaf's Frozen Adventure - the short that is set to run before Pixar's Coco when it hits theaters in November. The damn trailer for the short was just as long as the one for the feature! Also - Really Disney? I f**king hated Frozen and I look forward to Pixar's shorts just as much as I do their features and you're gonna stick the audience with this s***?! I'll have to try to remember to show up late to the cinema so I don't have to suffer through it. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[MonnoM]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/sing.gif

Sing (Christophe Lourdelet and Garth Jennings, 2016)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3470600/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 05/13/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: A friend gave me the bluray for my birthday
Rewatch: No.

If this had not been an animated movie with cute animal characters, I probably would've hated it. I don't watch American Idol or The Voice or any of the other singing/talent competition shows, because I find them irritating. I also avoided this movie at the theater because it looked a little too much like a musical.

But it was an animated movie with cute animal characters and it wasn't a musical. It was actually quite funny and the animation was rather well done. I genuinely laughed and enjoyed myself. I even liked the music. Granted, it's no Pixar movie. It didn't make me cry and I didn't have a strong emotional investment in the characters, but it was very entertaining.

rating_3_5

I watched this recently and also thought it was entertaining. Not great, but it does the trick if you're in the mood for something lighthearted. Though, one thing's been bugging me ever since...

What the hell happened to Mike?

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/ladymacbeth.jpg

Lady Macbeth (William Oldroyd, 2016)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4291600/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 7/21/17
Cinema or Home: Friend's house
Reason For Watching: I stumbled across the trailer on YouTube quite awhile back and thought it looked intriguing.
Rewatch: No

Possible Spoilers Ahead

Having seen the trailer (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qBzHqy1MNvE) multiple times, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect from the plot: Unhappy and stifled by an arranged marriage to a cold man, a woman finds comfort in the arms of a stable boy while her husband is away and turns to murder in an attempt to maintain that happiness and freedom.

What I wasn't expecting though was just how chilling Florence Pugh's performance would be. Though she begins the movie as something of a victim, that does not last long. She is calculating and remorseless. The dread felt by those around her is palpable - and none more so than her maid Anna, played wonderfully by Naomi Ackie. Absolutely nobody is safe. And yet this was not a character that I looked at with any sense of revulsion, even when her murderous eye turned to truly innocent victims. Instead I couldn't help but admire the brazenness of her actions.

Also admirable is the film's cinematography and set design. The old house in which she lives is almost a character itself - as dark, oppressive, and stifling as the husband from which she seeks to free herself - while the outdoor scenery is beautiful and inviting.

But despite its relatively brevity (at only about 90 minutes) and the inclusion of ample sex and violence, this movie is a bit of a slow burn. It spends a lot of time building tension and it does so with a score that is nearly absent. It's a film that is all about performances and Florence Pugh carries it well.

4

[Camo]

Surprised you liked it that much, didn't think it looked like your sort of film. Not that i've seen it or read your review, just by the look of it.

[Miss Vicky]

Surprised you liked it that much, didn't think it looked like your sort of film. Not that i've seen it or read your review, just by the look of it.

It's a costume drama with lots of sex and violence. I would think that it should seem like exactly my kind of movie.

Well except for the lack of hot men, anyway.

[Camo]

It's a costume drama with lots of sex and violence. I would think that it should seem like exactly my kind of movie.

Well except for the lack of hot men, anyway.

Didn't know about the sex and violence, it makes sense now. Are you generally a fan of costume drama's though? Quills is one obviously but i always thought that was an outlier for some reason.

[Miss Vicky]

Didn't know about the sex and violence, it makes sense now. Are you generally a fan of costume drama's though? Quills is one obviously but i always thought that was an outlier for some reason.

It really depends on the subject/time period of the film, but yeah I've got a bit of a soft spot for a good period piece. It probably has something to do with all those sh!tty romance novels I read as a teen/young adult.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/intruders.jpg

Intruders (Adam Schindler, 2015)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4009278/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 7/21/17
Cinema or Home: Friend's house
Reason For Watching: My friend picked it
Rewatch: No

Possible Spoilers Ahead

So after watching a movie about a woman who manipulates and kills men, my friend and I watched a movie about a woman who manipulates and kills men. Only this one at first tries to play itself off as something else.

The film centers around an agoraphobic woman named Anna, who acts as caretaker for her cancer stricken brother, Conrad. After Conrad passes away, three men plot to rob Anna's home while she is away at his funeral, not realizing that her phobia would prevent her from attending the services. What they also don't realize is that Anna is not the meek and helpless person she appears to be.

The basic premise of the film is not particularly original and the acting was pretty mediocre, but overall the film did not fail to entertain. The particulars of Anna's methods and motivations, coupled with a nice pace, kept me from losing interest and there were a few unexpected twists and turns along the way.

Definitely worth a watch, though probably not something I'll revisit.

3+

[Camo]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/intruders.jpg

Intruders (Adam Schindler, 2015)
[SIZE="1"]Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4009278/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Possible Spoilers Ahead


I could probably guess those spoilers without reading, i mean it's an intruder film called Intruders :laugh:

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/thesandlot.gif

The Sandlot (David Mickey Evans, 1993)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108037/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 8/10/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I felt like it
Rewatch: Yes

I was twelve years old when The Sandlot hit the theaters and my mom suggested we go see it. I wasn't all that keen on the idea of watching a movie about a bunch of boys playing baseball, but I reluctantly agreed to go. I loved it and 24 years later I still love it.

Although the film centers around baseball, it isn't about the game at all. It's about making friends, having fun, and conquering your fears. And although it slips into some cheese a time or two (the "thumbs up" scene at the end makes me cringe every time), it's never preachy. Instead, it's packed with memorable characters, quotable lines, and hilariously over the top situations. And it does this while maintaining a sense of innocence - there's never anything mean spirited or dark in its humor.

It's an absolute joy to watch and is something I would recommend to anyone who is still a child at heart.

4.5

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/thehelp.gif

The Help (Tate Taylor, 2011)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454029/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 8/11/17
Cinema or Home: Friend's house
Reason For Watching: Friend picked it
Rewatch: Yes

I rewatched this about two weeks ago but have been too damn lazy to write it up. :laugh:

I don't have a whole lot to say about it. The performances are mostly strong, especially Octavia Spencer, Viola Davis, and Jessica Chastain, who gives genuine emotion to what could easily have been a totally one dimensional and irritating character. Emma Stone does fine but is mostly forgettable. The story is funny, engaging, and heartfelt - and that's definitely saying something from me considering its overload of estrogen - but it definitely slides a bit too frequently into melodrama and schmaltz.

4-

[nebbit]

Nice work Bitch :yup:

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/thehurricane.jpg

The Hurricane (Norman Jewison, 1999)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0174856/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 8/23/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, rauldc14's nomination
Rewatch: Yes

Technically, I've seen this movie before - in 1999 while it was still in the theater - but I remembered virtually nothing about it.

I thought Denzel Washington gave a very strong performance, but Rubin Carter - or at least the Rubin Carter of the film - isn't exactly a likable guy. He may be innocent of the crimes for which he was accused - and he may have had good reason for being the way he was - but he had a sometimes violent temper (see the bar scene) and he's a racist, which makes him hard to really root for though the film does try to gloss over his negative traits.

And this issue I had with Carter could have been easily tempered by strong supporting characters. However, Lesra, Lisa, Sam, and Terry felt more like caricatures than characters and Della Pesca was no better. And I can't put too much blame for this on the actors playing those roles. They really weren't given much to work with.

Overall it was a decent if largely unimpressive film. The story was interesting enough, though I think the two and half hour runtime was unnecessary for what was presented, but I have to wonder just how much creative license was taken to make Carter out to be such a pure heroic victim of circumstance. It didn't feel like we got the whole story or anywhere close to it.

3+

[MovieMeditation]

I dislike both Cars flicks, though the second movie is downright atrocious imo. I can get through the first one without suicidal thoughts... Anyways, the mature teaser trailer for Cars 3 had me excited but not exactly charged to see it.

I have never seen The Sandlot and I find that to be quite embarrassing. I couldn't get into the 20 mins I watched of The Help and I don't think I have even heard of Hurricane...

[Mr Minio]

Nice work Bitch :yup: This made me laugh way too hard.

[Camo]

This made me laugh way too hard.

Same.

Yeah, i don't think Rubin Carter was innocent but it doesn't matter in regards to the film as you said.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/bartonfink.gif

Barton Fink (Joel and Ethan Coen, 1991)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0101410/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 8/26/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, Yam12's nomination
Rewatch: No

I had pretty mixed feelings about this one. I thought the performances were all pretty strong - John Turturro's facial expressions were quite amusing - and the cinematography and costume design were on point. However the comedic elements were much more subtle than I'd hoped for from the guys that brought us The Big Lebowski and Burn After Reading. I did find myself chuckling quite a few times, but I also found myself checking my watch almost as often.

A good movie overall, but not something I'm likely to revisit.

3.5-

I also rewatched Ernest and Celestine. I had a friend over Saturday night and she hadn't ever heard of it. I think I'd still rate it a 4+. My friend enjoyed it a lot, too.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/blacksnakemoan.jpg

Black Snake Moan (Craig Brewer, 2006)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462200/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 8/29/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, my nomination
Rewatch: Yes

Although the posters for this film - with the tagline "Everything is Hotter Down South" and their emphasis on Christina Ricci's chain - would have you believe that Black Snake Moan is a soft core interracial bondage porn, it really is nothing of the sort. That said, it is about an old black man who chains a young white nymphomaniac to his radiator in order to cure her of her wickedness. But this is no porno.

Black Snake Moan is a fable. It's not meant to be taken literally. The viewer is not meant to believe every detail of the story. But what you are meant to do is connect with its characters - with all their damages, flaws, and weaknesses. And in that, I think the film succeeds admirably.

Its greatest strength is in its central performances. Samuel L. Jackson turns in what I believe is the finest performance of his career - even doing his own singing and learning to play the guitar for the role. He gives his bluesman Lazarus an authenticity unlike any other character I've seen him play. Sure he still drops a "motherf***er" or five in the film, but I almost forget who I'm watching. I believe the hurt when he confronts his wife, I believe the barely leashed rage when he confronts his brother, and I believe the terror when he is witness to Rae's fits. And on that note, Christina Ricci is a wonder as Rae. She is absolutely fearless with this performance. She puts forth an explosive combination of sexuality, madness, and vulnerability. And though the story itself is hard to believe, the bond these two characters form is, for me at least, very easy to buy into. The two actors work wonderfully together and the supporting cast, including Justin Timberlake as Rae's anxiety ridden boyfriend, are also solid.

But there's more to love than just that. The cinematography and the incredible soundtrack work together to create a thick atmosphere that completely immerses you in this world of sex, God, pain, and redemption.

This film was once in my top ten and, while it has slipped a few places, it is still to me an incredibly moving and unforgettable movie watching experience.

4.5+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/guardians2.gif

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 2 (James Gunn, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3896198/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 9/1/17
Cinema or Home: Friend's House
Reason For Watching: Friend wanted to watch it
Rewatch: No

Still too sci-fi heavy for my taste. Still too much CGI. Groot is still lame. But it's got a good soundtrack and I got a couple of chuckles out of it. Probably won't watch it ever again.

3

[Camo]

I haven't even seen the first one but i feel really familiar with Groot!

[Miss Vicky]

I know that other Glaswegian won't be pleased with my comments.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/empireofpassion.jpg

Empire of Passion (Ai no bôrei) (Nagisa Ôshima, 1978)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077132/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 9/2/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, jiraffejustin's nomination
Rewatch:No

Possible Spoilers Ahead

I don't have a whole lot to say about this one. I went into it without having read anything about it and so was unaware of the horror aspect until it happened. Once it became clear what the movie was about, I couldn't help but roll my eyes a little: a married woman has an affair and she and her lover decide to murder her husband so that they can be together, only to have everything fall apart in the end. Not exactly the most original premise.

But even a cliche like that can work well for me if the filmmaker gets creative with the details and the performances are strong. Unfortunately, neither of those things really happened. The performances were very theatrical - and therefore off-putting for me - and much of the horror elements just came off as cheesy, especially any scene that showed Gisaburo's ghost. Also grating were the characters of Toyoji - who from the very beginning struck me as obnoxious and not at all attractive - and his weird-ass brother (What was up with that guy, anyway?).

There were some things that I liked. I thought the scene where Seki gets a ride from ghost Gisaburo was actually well shot and creepy - at least until the final faceless bit. I also thought the score was very good.

Ultimately, however, the film was something of a chore for me to get through and I frequently found myself checking the time.

2.5+

[Mr Minio]

I also rewatched Ernest and Celestine.https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8c/1c/b6/8c1cb6af8499ced76c67e5350e94d678.jpg <333333333

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/m.jpg

M (Fritz Lang, 1931)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0022100/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 9/3/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, cosmicrunaway's nomination
Rewatch:No

Since joining this forum eight years ago, I'd seen M mentioned many times - alongside the image of Peter Lorre staring at his reflection - but until tonight had no real idea what the film was actually about. I knew only of its reputation.

Having now seen it, I've got mixed feelings. The overly theatrical performances frequently took me out of the film as did the completely silent scenes. I also didn't care at all for that ending speech by Beckert's "lawyer," but that has everything to do with my own opinion on the subject and is not the fault of the film.

That said, the film looked great and the combination of the imagery and the use of sound - such as the whistled "In the Hall of the Mountain King" - did make for some very eerie scenes. More than once I was reminded of more modern crime films such as Zodiac. I also thought the use of the Beggars association as surveillance was quite clever.

Ultimately though I found myself respecting the film a lot more than I actually liked it.

3+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/passengers.gif

Passengers (Morten Tyldum, 2016)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1355644/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 9/5/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, Citizen Rules's nomination
Rewatch: No

This is not a film that I am likely to have ever watched on my own as I typically avoid live-action science fiction, save for the occasional action flick like Demolition Man and The Fifth Element or emotional dramas like Her or Eternal Sunshine. I'm also not overly fond of either of the film's stars, so I wasn't exactly looking forward to this.

However, I was actually a little surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I certainly didn't love it but never found myself feeling bored either. I was invested enough in the story and the characters to keep me interested, but not enough that I felt any strong emotion towards any of them. I also liked the look of the film. I thought the design of the ship was very interesting and some of the effects, particularly the pool scene when the gravity failed, were really well done.

There were a couple of things that bugged me though - particularly the character of Gus. I found myself rolling my eyes a bit at this obvious deus ex-machina. It struck me as a bit of lazy writing to have another pod fail just as things were getting particularly hopeless and, out of the thousands of people on the ship, of course that pod contained someone with the knowledge and security clearance they needed to solve their problem. And just as suddenly as Gus Ex Machina appeared so he was disposed of. :rolleyes:

Another thing that bugged me was an obvious issue that was ignored. Jim and Aurora sure had a lot of sex and he certainly wasn't wearing a condom. Was Aurora sterile? Did the ship have an inexhaustible supply of birth control on board? Seems like sooner or later she'd have gotten knocked up a time or two and the poor kid(s) would be cursed to grow up with nobody but mom and dad. I would've liked to have seen that issue addressed.

I'm kind of on the fence as to how to rate this. I don't think it's great, but I did enjoy it more than the other noms I've watched so far.

I guess I'll give it an unenthusiastic 3.5-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/lonestar.jpg

Lone Star (John Sayles, 1996)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116905/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 9/9/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, Joel's nomination
Rewatch: No

I don't have a whole lot to say about this one. I thought it was a solid flick - though that last twist (which I could see coming a mile away) was a bit unnecessary. I thought the performances were all pretty strong (and it was nice seeing so many familiar faces) and I found myself engaged with the story. However, I wasn't overly attached to anyone or anything in it.

I did, however, really like the message that the reality of what people are often doesn't match the image of them we have and I enjoyed watching the different relationships change as the various characters came to understand that. I never found myself bored but it definitely didn't blow me away either.

3.5-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/mommy.jpg

Mommy (Xavier Dolan, 2014)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3612616/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 9/10/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, cricket's nomination
Rewatch: No

I really wanted to like this film. I'm usually quite the sucker for emotional dramas, but unfortunately I found myself quite detached from it. From the start, I found the two main characters, Steve and Die, to be quite unlikable. He is violent, unstable, and unpredictable. She is immature and irresponsible.

I did have a tiny bit of sympathy for Die, because she was thrown into the situation of being a single mother to a child this troubled. However, I found that sympathy dissolving more later as she let her motherly love cloud her judgement as Steve became more and more out of control and dangerous.

As to the film itself, I thought the performances were mostly strong and the cinematography looked good. However, I really hated the soundtrack. The segment that featured "Wonderwall" in particular only increased my detachment from the film. I found it distracting and it didn't enhance the film for me at all. Though admittedly part of that is my own personal distaste for the song itself, but I think something less well known might've fit the mood of the scene better. A lower volume would've helped too.

Overall the film is well crafted, but my own personal prejudices left me unable to connect with its characters and therefore unable to overcome my apathy.

3+

[Camo]

Mommy is my favourite film of its year. Glad you didn't hate it and i can see why you would have some of those problems; particularly the soundtrack even though i like it.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/nightonearth.jpg

Night On Earth (Jim Jarmusch, 1991)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102536/?ref_=tttr_tr_tt)

Date Watched: 9/18/17-9/21/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, Nestorio Miklos's nomination
Rewatch: No

I'm just going to come right out and say it: I did not like this movie. If it hadn't been for the fact that I was watching it for a Hall of Fame, I'd have shut it off before the first segment was over. It took me three tries to get through it. I found many of the characters irritating and hard to believe. Winona Ryder was exceptionally awful in the L.A. segment, Roberto Benigni's ridiculous "confession" in the Rome segment was just grating and so was the blind woman in the Paris segment. I might have found some connection with the cabbie's story in the Helsinki segment, but by then I had pretty much mentally checked out of the film and was just counting down the remaining runtime.

That said, I didn't completely hate everything about it. I liked the look and the atmosphere of the film and, although I'm not generally a fan of Tom Waits, I thought his music fit the movie's tone rather well. I must also admit that I did actually enjoy the New York segment and really liked the interactions between Helmut and YoYo. But those few positives just weren't enough for me.

2+

[re93animator]

Night On Earth (Jim Jarmusch, 1991)


My thoughts are pretty analogous. I liked the atmosphere too, but everytime I started to sink into a setting, the segment would end. I wish the whole thing had been a Helsinki segment. I typically do like earlier Jarmusch a lot though.:)

[Miss Vicky]

I typically do like earlier Jarmusch a lot though.:)

The only other Jarmusch I've seen is Dead Man - which I can't decide if I like even though I've seen it a few times and own the DVD. I will say though that Dead Man was at least bizarre enough to keep me from getting bored, though its Neil Young soundtrack irritated me quite a bit.

[re93animator]

The only other Jarmusch I've seen is Dead Man - which I can't decide if I like even though I've seen it a few times and own the DVD. I will say though that Dead Man was at least bizarre enough to keep me from getting bored, though its Neil Young soundtrack irritated me quite a bit.

I love Dead Man (lukewarm on the wanky soundtrack though). Stranger than Paradise, Ghost Dog, and Broken Flowers are all very good too IMO, but Down by Law is probably the best and most accessible. I recommend that pretty highly.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/timeofthegypsies.jpg

Time of the Gyspies (Dom za vesanje) (Emir Kusturica, 1988)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097223/)

Date Watched: 9/24/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, Jeff Costello's nomination
Rewatch: No

I didn't know anything about this film when I started it and my immediate reaction was not a positive one. The first part of the film introduces us to some very quirky characters doing odd things and I was - unpleasantly - reminded of Wes Anderson. I struggled to fight the urge to shut it off.

But later the film takes a drastic change in tone and becomes much more serious. Unfortunately it also takes the almost likable protagonist Perhan into a life of thievery, human trafficking, and deceit. The story itself was interesting enough, and it was good to a get a glimpse into a different culture, but the further Perhan got into the criminal life, the less I liked him and the more I struggled to stay fully engaged.

Ultimately I had no strong feelings for the film, either positive or negative, and it's probably not one that's going to stick in my memory for long.

3+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/paranorman.gif

Paranorman (Chris Butler and Sam Fell, 2012)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1623288/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 9/24/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I felt like it
Rewatch: Yes

I first watched Paranorman back in 2014 and found it rather disappointing. I didn't like the look of the clay figures and found the movie a bit uninspired.

I'm not sure what possessed me to give it another shot tonight, but I had a considerably better experience with it this time around. This tale of an oddball outcast whose differences ultimately make him into a hero is far from original and I'm still not overly fond of the character designs, but I was able to engage more with the story and was at least reasonably amused with it. It'll definitely never be among my favorites but it's not a bad way to spend 90 minutes.

3.5-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/grandillusion.gif

La Grande Illusion (Jean Renoir, 1937)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028950/)

Date Watched: Finished 10/7/17, not sure when I started it.
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, edarsenal's nomination
Rewatch: No

This one was a huge struggle for me and it took several attempts over several days to get through it.

I’m not especially fond of watching old films, I’m not especially fond of watching black and white films, I’m not especially fond of watching foreign films (they’ve got to really grab my interest if I’m going to commit to reading a movie for a few hours), and I’m not especially fond of watching films about war. Now, none of these things by themselves are enough to make me dislike a film and there are films that have several of these strikes against them that I still enjoy. This is not one of them.

While I understand what Renoir was going for with his commentary on classism and prejudice and I get that the film’s values and view of war are similar to my own, it just didn’t work for me. Try as I might, I simply did not care about any of its characters. I didn’t care if they escaped. I didn’t care if they died and by the time Boeldieu made his sacrifice, I’d long ago mentally checked out of the film. The excrutiatingly drawn out ending didn’t help matters, either. (Did we really need to see what’s-his-face talk to the ****ing cow?)

I don’t deny that the fault in this lies with me – that my attention span and patience seem to be shrinking with age and that I probably wasn’t in the best frame of mind to be watching this - but I found it absolutely unimpressive and overly long for what it contained. Usually I can find something to praise about any film – maybe one of the performances was strong. Maybe a bit of dialogue moved me. Maybe some unique and interesting cinematography or set designs were featured. But on this I have nothing. I was utterly bored.

I’m hesitant to even rate it because no matter what I choose, it won’t really be fair. But I shall do as I often do and base my rating on my movie watching experience.

1.5-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/contratiempo.jpg

The Invisible Guest (Contratiempo) (Oriol Paulo, 2016)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4857264/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 10/30/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 14th Hall of Fame, Sarge's nomination
Rewatch: No

I really struggled to get into this movie at first and it took several attempts to finish it. Admittedly though, issues in my life at the time probably contributed to my inability to focus.

None of the characters were likable and there was nothing particularly notable about any of the performances. However, the story was intriguing and the all of the misdirection in the plot did keep me guessing for awhile, though I did see the final twist coming. Once I finally settled in and was able to engage with the film, I found myself enjoying it quite a bit. Overall it was a well crafted film and I was impressed by it, but now that all its secrets have been revealed, I doubt I’ll ever watch it again. There just isn’t anything really to return to.

4

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/frozenground.gif

The Frozen Ground (Scott Walker, 2013)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2005374/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 11/17/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: A friend's recommendation, also because I love John Cusack
Rewatch:No

The Frozen Ground tells the story of serial killer Robert Hansen and of Jack Halcombe, the Alaska Trooper that pursued him. The film is based on actual events, though I don't know how faithful it is to those events, nor do I particularly care.

As a whole, it's a pretty standard story of one man's pursuit of justice. There's little that is truly outstanding about it, but I also have very few complaints. The film does well to set a mood, the cast - including (a rather subdued) Nicolas Cage, Vanessa Hudgens, Dean Norris, and 50 Cent - is solid, and it keeps a good pace. But there is one exception: John Cusack. He is both the one really outstanding thing in the film and my only real complaint. This performance is unlike anything I've seen him do before. He's always struck me as incredibly likable, even if the character he is playing isn't really a good guy. Here, however, his performance was chilling. I forgot who I was watching. That wasn't the likable John Cusack. That was a killer. Every minute that he was on the screen I felt uneasy but also mesmerized. And the one complaint I have is that he wasn't on screen enough. Even so, he made the most of the little time he was given and for his performance alone do I give the film my rating.

4

[edarsenal]

had forgotten to rep past reviews and I haven't heard of this Cusack film and I'd be curious to see a non-likable Cusack which would be unique. Even when he plays @ssholes I STILL like his characters so this one has my attention.
AND a subdued Cage?!?! Wow.

[Captain Spaulding]

I found The Frozen Ground pretty average, although it's still one of Nicolas Cage's better films in recent years. The lead performances made it worthwhile, but the movie itself hasn't stuck with me whatsoever.

I was happy to see that you nominated Black Snake Moan for the recent HOF. It's a shame that it didn't perform better, but I knew its raciness would turn off some members, even though the film has a ton of heart beneath its sleazy veneer. I'd never heard of Contratiempo and am pretty surprised it won the HOF. Guess I have to watch it now, although I'm in no rush to do so.

Glad to see you enjoyed ParaNorman more the second time around. I don't remember exactly where I placed it on my ballot for your Animated Films Countdown (maybe in the teens somewhere?), but it's definitely one of my favorite animated flicks. I know you're not a big horror fan, and ParaNorman features a lot of references and jokes about past horror flicks, so maybe that's part of the reason why the humor works better for me than you. How do you feel about the other films from Studio Laika?

[Miss Vicky]

Sorry for the delayed response. I didn't see this until just now for some reason.

I found The Frozen Ground pretty average, although it's still one of Nicolas Cage's better films in recent years. The lead performances made it worthwhile, but the movie itself hasn't stuck with me whatsoever.

I agree that the film itself was quite average, but I do think Cusack's performance will stick with me. Only time will tell, however.

I was happy to see that you nominated Black Snake Moan for the recent HOF. It's a shame that it didn't perform better, but I knew its raciness would turn off some members, even though the film has a ton of heart beneath its sleazy veneer.

Knowing certain frequent HOF participants, I figured it would perform poorly but decided to nominate it anyway. I guess when it comes to films like that all I can do is try to get people to look past the sex. Oh well. It'll be interesting to see how the film I have in mind for the next general HOF performs.

Glad to read that it's a film you enjoy. I think it's really under appreciated in general.


I'd never heard of Contratiempo and am pretty surprised it won the HOF. Guess I have to watch it now, although I'm in no rush to do so.

I'd never heard of it either. I do think it was above average for the type of film that it is and I did enjoy it more than the other nominated films, but it didn't strike me as anything special.

Glad to see you enjoyed ParaNorman more the second time around. I don't remember exactly where I placed it on my ballot for your Animated Films Countdown (maybe in the teens somewhere?), but it's definitely one of my favorite animated flicks.

You had it at 13.

I know you're not a big horror fan, and ParaNorman features a lot of references and jokes about past horror flicks, so maybe that's part of the reason why the humor works better for me than you. How do you feel about the other films from Studio Laika?

"Not a big horror fan" is a little bit of an understatement. With few exceptions if it's not a horror comedy starring Bruce Campbell I don't want to see it. :laugh: But yeah my lack of interest and knowledge of the genre probably doesn't help my appreciation of the film. I doubt it'll ever be a favorite but it was fun.

I think the only other Laika film I've seen is Kubo and the Two Strings. I thought it was very visually striking, but I didn't care for the story, the characters, and especially the casting choices. It was also a little too heavy on the fantasy elements for my taste. I watched it as a blind buy about a year ago and I hoard movies and still have it so I'll probably give it another shot at some point. Maybe I'll like it the second time around, too.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/olafadventure.jpg

Olaf's Frozen Adventure (Kevin Deters and Stevie Wermers, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5452780/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 11/26/17
Cinema or Home: Cinema
Reason For Watching: It played before Coco
Rewatch: No

One of the things that I love about watching Pixar movies is that I also get treated to some amazing short films. I look forward to Pixar's animated shorts just as much as I do their features. But not this time. No. Because there was no Pixar short to be had. Instead we are subjected to this overly long, irritatingly unfunny, uninspired tripe.

F*** you, Disney.

1.5-


* * *

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/coco.gif

Coco (Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2380307/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 11/26/17
Cinema or Home: Cinema
Reason For Watching: It’s Pixar
Rewatch: No


After suffering through over twenty excruciating minutes of Frozen bullsh!t, I was in a bit of a sour mood and it took me a little while to settle in and be able to appreciate what Coco had to offer.

It's a bit different than what I've come to expect from the studio. Which is to say that I expect to see films that view the world from an American perspective and feature primarily white characters. Here instead we get a glimpse into a culture about which I am woefully ignorant - despite living in California and having worked for a Mexican for over twelve years. But in many ways it's typical of Pixar - vibrant colors, breathtaking textures, humor, and heart.

Still, the film didn't quite capture the magic of the studio's greatest offerings but it is more than worthwhile. I just recommend showing up about 25 minutes late to the theater so you don't have to suffer through Olaf's Frozen Sh*t.

4-

[Miss Vicky]

I rewatched Moana yesterday. Not going to bother writing it up though. I still like it, but I think I like it a little less with each viewing. Too damn many songs.

[seanc]

I rewatched Moana yesterday. Not going to bother writing it up though. I still like it, but I think I like it a little less with each viewing. Too damn many songs.

You hear they pulled the Frozen short from theaters. Thought of you when I read that yesterday. It was sooooo bad.

[edarsenal]

I had been wondering about Coco; definitely looked worthwhile

[Miss Vicky]

You hear they pulled the Frozen short from theaters. Thought of you when I read that yesterday. It was sooooo bad.

I hadn't heard that, but I'm glad to know that happened. I did overhear a TV commercial advertising a TV broadcast of Frozen that was also going to include the stupid short.

Hopefully Disney won't attach cash-in crap like that to future Pixar films.

Anyway, I actually watched two movies today. Will try to get thoughts posted tonight.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/bossbaby.gif

The Boss Baby (Tom McGrath, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3874544/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 12/9/17
Cinema or Home: Work
Reason For Watching: Had time to kill and my coworker brought it up on her phone
Rewatch: No

My boss was out of town today so we weren't able to see any patients, but we were still open for a few hours. My plan was to rewatch Zootopia on my portable DVD player, just like I had done with Moana yesterday. However, I had mistakenly put the Zootopia bluray into the player instead of the DVD. Crap.

My coworker brought up Netflix on her phone and selected Boss Baby. Neither of us had seen it and we were both expecting it to be garbage, but figured it would still help pass the time. We were both pleasantly surprised.

That's not to say that it was actually good, though. The animation was well done and I did get a few chuckles out of it but the story was ridiculous and, though it tried, it failed to strike an emotional chord with me. Still it served its purpose and kept me mildly amused for a little while at work.

3-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/3billboards.jpg

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Martin McDonagh, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5027774/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 12/9/17
Cinema or Home: Cinema
Reason For Watching: It looked good
Rewatch: No

While I wouldn't go as far as to say that I truly loved Three Billboards, I have very few complaints about it. The performances - particularly by Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell - were all very strong. I thought the writing was excellent as well and I really appreciated how each of the characters was portrayed as a three dimensional person.

However, I was a bit bothered by the lack of consequences for certain actions in the film - in particular with what happened to Red, especially considering the number of witnesses and the identity of one particular bystander. But this was a fairly minor issue for me and didn't detract much from my overall enjoyment of the film.

4+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/armyofdarkness.gif

Army of Darkness (Sam Raimi, 1992)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106308/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 12/20/17
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I felt like it.
Rewatch: Yes, many times over

I’ve never been a fan of horror movies and I’m not typically fond of live-action comedies, but there’s something about horror comedies – particularly those starring Bruce Campbell – that I love. And Army of Darkness was my introduction to the prominent-chinned king of B horror.

This is the third film in Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead series, but whereas the original Evil Dead focused on horror elements and Evil Dead II struck a balance between horror and comedy, Army of Darkness is more comedy than anything else and the horror elements it does contain only serve to bring more laughs. The acting is hammy and over the top, the special effects are terrible, and the story is absolutely ridiculous. But all of these things combine to make for a really fun bit of entertainment that has ranked among my favorite films for many years.

4.5

[Miss Vicky]

I'm leaving for Washington tomorrow and won't be back until the 28th. My parents gave me my gifts early and they included Your Name, In This Corner of the World, and Despicable Me 3. I'm bringing my portable DVD player so I'll probably watch all of them - and possibly some other movies - during the trip. Will post write-ups when I get back.

[Miss Vicky]

So I watched a bunch of movies while I was on vacation over Christmas. I had intended to do full write-ups on most of them, but at this point it's not going to happen and, with the Best Picture HOF starting, I want to get this out of the way. So I'm just going to write a few brief thoughts on each.

Your Name (Kimi no na wa) (Makoto Shinkai, 2016) First Watch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5311514/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

As I expected this was a gorgeously animated film. An absolute visual treat. The body-swapping/time-changing premise did test my ability to suspend disbelief, but overall I found it much more engrossing than Shinkai's other films I've seen (Garden of Words, 5 cm Per Second).

4-

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Jeremiah Chechik, 1989) Rewatch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097958/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

A Christmas classic and absolute requisite December viewing. Also an all time favorite comedy and my favorite Lampoon's film.

4+

Despicable Me 3 (Kyle Bada, Pierre Coffin, Eric Guillon, 2017) First Watch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3469046/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Mediocre, but not terrible. I loved the first Despicable Me, but Illumination should probably end the franchise. I know they won't, but I can hope.

3

Tokyo Godfathers (Satoshi Kon and Shôgo Furuya, 2003) Rewatch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0388473/?ref_=nm_knf_i1)

I think I love this movie a little more each time I see it. Easily my favorite Satoshi Kon and a fixture for holiday viewing. A lot of fun, a lot heart.

4.5

Die Hard (John McTiernan, 1988) Rewatch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095016/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

It used to be a family tradition to watch this each Christmas. I spent the holiday at my brother's house and he decided to revive that tradition. I think I still like Die Hard 2 a little more, but this was fun. The glass in the feet scenes still make me cringe hard though. Ouch.

3.5+

Love Actually (Richard Curtis, 2003) Rewatch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0314331/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

I used to be a big sucker for Rom Coms, but not so much anymore. Nevertheless I still love this one and it's interweaving of different stories suits my short attention span. Billy Nighy is hilarious. Also this is probably the only Hugh Grant performance I enjoy.

4

The Help (Tate Taylor, 2011) Rewatch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454029/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

My thoughts are pretty much identical to the last time I saw this (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1761072#post1761072). Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain are hilarious.

4-

School of Rock (Richard Linklater, 2003) Rewatch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332379/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

I hate Jack Black, but my sister in law wanted to watch this and I didn't (outwardly) object. Slightly better than I remember, on account of the music and Joan Cusack, but still obnoxious.

2.5

In This Corner of the World (Kono sekai no katasumi ni) (Sunao Katabuchi, 2016) First Watch
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4769824/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

I probably shouldn't rate this and it most definitely deserves a rewatch, but it is what it is. I thought the film was well made and beautifully animated, but I struggled to get through this. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters and often found my attention wavering. I don't know how much of that is the fault of the movie though as I watched it on the portable in the car towards the end of a (very) long drive home. I'll have to give this another chance at some point.

3

[rauldc14]

You hear they pulled the Frozen short from theaters. Thought of you when I read that yesterday. It was sooooo bad.

When I saw Coco they didn't play the short before it.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/12yearsaslave.gif

12 Years a Slave (Steve McQueen, 2013)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2024544/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 1/7/2018
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: Yes

I'll preface this with the same thing that I say about most films based on actual events or actual people: I don't know how accurate 12 Years a Slave is to what really happened and I don't care.

While there have been many films made on the subject of black slavery, none that I've seen have been able to tackle that subject without sliding into exploitation, over-sentimentality and preachiness, or a two-dimensional view of both victim and perpetrator. Although McQueen makes an admirable attempt to present a more rounded and human film, he doesn't quite get it right. He comes pretty close though with the immense help of a solid cast. The performances in the film are mostly excellent - or at least passable - with one glaring exception: Paul Dano as Tibeats. Tibeats comes off as poorly done caricature and, except for his menacing singing at his introduction, he takes me out of the film with every frame he is in. Admittedly, with the exception of Love & Mercy, I dislike Dano as an actor in general and I don't know how much of this is the fault of the screenwriter but this strikes me as a particularly poor performance.

And Dano is not my only complaint about the film. I also had an issue with one particularly brutal scene near the end of Northup's time on Master Ford's plantation. It's not the scene itself though that I object to. It's the scene's score. Throughout most of the film, the only music we hear comes from Northup's fiddle or from the voices of the enslaved people. But in this scene the score is intrusive and overpowering and rather than enhancing the emotion of the scene, it prevents me from feeling much. I also don't think the filmmakers did very well to show the passage of time in the film. From Solomon's abduction to his rescue does not feel like 12 years to me as a viewer, though I'm not sure what could have been done to fix that.

That being said, the film is solid overall and, aside from a few hiccups, I found myself engaged with the film and moved by Northup's journey and that has been true each time I've watched this. It's a very good movie, but I don't think it deserved the win as Best Picture. Having seen all of its competitors in that category, I'd rank it perhaps fourth out of nine - behind Her, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Dallas Buyers Club. I'm glad it beat Gravity and American Hustle though.

4

[seanc]

When I saw Coco they didn't play the short before it.

Lucky

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/moonlight.gif

Moonlight (Barry Jenkins, 2016)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4975722/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 1/8/2018
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: No.

*Possible Spoilers*

To be completely honest, I generally avoid films about life on the streets. Images of drug dealing, of prostitution, and of men posturing with their gold teeth and gold chains are pretty far outside my whitewashed little comfort zone. So this was not a film I likely would have watched on my own and I had some reservations going into it. I was a little afraid that the vast difference between the environment that I inhabit and the one inhabited by the film's characters would present a bit of a roadblock to my ability to connect with those characters.

Thankfully, that fear was unfounded. Although Chiron's world is quite foreign to me, his struggles to find his own identity and to cope with the injustices in his life resonated quite well and I could understand and forgive the choices he made and the facade he put up as he reached adulthood.

I also really liked the way that film the handled stereotypes and preconceptions and how it painted its characters in shades of gray. The drug dealer on the street actually becomes a very positive influence on Chiron, even if ultimately the boy follows in his father figure's steps. The crack addicted, neglectful and emotionally abusive mother - in a way a victim of that same father figure - displays genuine remorse and care for her son later in life. The pot smoking, p**** chasing friend finds meaning and fulfillment in being a father.

It's obvious to me that this is a film that is a very personal project for its creators. It feels real and there's no doubt in my mind that it is real in many ways. While what I experienced tonight was not instant love, like what I experienced when I first watched my own nomination, but it was instant respect and I definitely think this is a contender for a high position on my ballot.

As to whether or not this film deserved the win for Best Picture, I can't say. Of its competitors I've only seen Manchester by the Sea and since I've absolutely no intention of ever subjecting myself to La La Land, it's a question I'll likely never be able to answer.

4+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/mutinyonthebounty.jpg

Mutiny On the Bounty (Frank Lloyd, 1935)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026752/?ref_=fn_al_tt_3)

Date Watched: 1/9/2018
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: No

I did not like this movie.

My previous experiences in watching very old movies have been... mostly not good (with a few exceptions). Much of this has to do with the writing and the style of acting that was common in "classics" such as this and that is exactly the issue I had with Mutiny on the Bounty. The performances are very wooden, very stiff. Mannerisms, voice inflection, and body language are often either over exaggerated or nearly absent. Characters are underdeveloped and very 2 dimensional. At no point in the film did I ever forget that I was watching characters and believe that I was watching people. And in the case of Laughton's villainous Captain Bligh, it felt more like I was watching a cartoon character than an actual person. His tyranny was simply too severe to be believed. I actually laughed a little at his ridiculousness (though I certainly never laughed at anything that was meant to be funny). I will admit though to feeling a tiny sensation of sympathy for the crew when the actual mutiny took place - they were fighting to free themselves from an existence that was tantamount to slavery after all - but mostly I found myself sighing and checking the time. They just couldn't make me care that much.

However, I have managed to overcome this disconnect in a few other very old films in cases where there is something else that is exceptional - particularly in the more technical aspects of the film such as impressive stunts and effects or a unique set design. While I have no complaints about what this film presents in that regard, I also can find nothing that stands out as worthy of praise. (I've also managed to overcome it if the acting is so ridiculous as to render the film unintentionally funny, but aside from a scene or two, this movie didn't even offer that.)

I didn't hate this movie though. Not quite. I don't have a particularly strong opinion of it. I was simply very thoroughly unimpressed by it.

2.5

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/argo.gif

Argo (Ben Affleck, 2012)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1024648/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 1/10/2018
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: Yes

As usual with this sort of film, I'm going to preface my write-up by saying that I don't know or care how accurate this film is to real events. I don't watch movies - least of all Hollywood movies - to get lessons in history. I watch them to be entertained.

And Argo is a very entertaining movie. I think it does a very admirable job of telling its story and immersing its audience in the time and places it represents. Affleck and company do well to present their characters as real people and to give the viewers someone to really root for. As fictionalized as it may be - again I don't know or care to what degree that is - I believe in Mendez's motivations and admire the risks it took to get the job done. I also really appreciated the film's comic relief in the form of Alan Arkin's and John Goodman's respective performances. Both men play off each other quite well and make the most of their limited screen time. Bryan Cranston was also solid in his performance.

Overall, it's an enjoyable watch and a solid film, but there's nothing that stands out to me as exceptional about it. As to whether or not it deserved its win, I can't say for sure. I much prefer Django Unchained, but that film simply suits my tastes much more than Argo does and my preference there really isn't a measure of quality. Of the remaining nominess from that year that I've seen, I do prefer it to both Silver Linings Playbook, which I disliked, and Les Miserables which I actually don't mind.

4-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/forrestgump.gif

Forrest Gump (Robert Zemeckis, 1994)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 1/11/2018
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: Yes

I remember when Forrest Gump was new and people were talking about it constantly. Even before I saw the movie I knew that life is like a box of chocolates, stupid is as stupid does, and Jenny was my girl. And when I saw the film, I found myself drawn in. Over the years, I rewatched it numerous times and found myself a little less enamored of it with each viewing until the very last time I saw it, when I was left with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. So when it was announced that Gump was among the nominees in this Hall of Fame, I was less than enthused at the prospect of watching it again.

Fortunately, my rewatching experience tonight was not at all a bad one. There is little that is believable about the character of Forrest Gump or the absurd situations he bumbles into. Yet somehow his idiocy lends him an innocence that makes him endearing (if still a little annoying at times) and Tom Hanks did an excellent job with the role. Stronger still is the performance of Gary Sinise as Lieutenant Dan, who received a Best Supporting Actor nomination, but did not take home the win. What surprised me though about this viewing was my opinion of Jenny. I've never particularly cared for her character but this time around I feel like I sympathized with her a little more.

Another of the film's biggest strengths is its soundtrack. Full of some of classic rock and folk's best offerings, including some of my favorite artists like Fleetwood Mac and Bob Seger, it definitely deserves some credit for the smile I had on my face tonight.

As enjoyable as it is to watch, however, Forrest Gump ultimately amounts to little more than feel-good fluff, albeit skillfully made feel-good fluff. It's a fine movie, but it fails to stand out amongst its competition as being anything of true substance. Had it been released in another year, I might not object to its win for Best Picture, but against such films as Pulp Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption it never should've taken home the prize.

4-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/thegodfather.gif

The Godfather (Francis Ford Coppola, 1972)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068646/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 1/12/2018
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: Yes

I first watched The Godfather back in 2014. I vividly recall hating it. I recall yelling at the screen for it to just hurry up and end already. I didn't give a crap about its characters and I didn't give a crap about the story. And yet when I looked up my rating for it just now, I see I gave it a 3+. I'm not sure if I was feeling really, really generous that day or if I just wasn't up for dealing with any arguments on the forum, but that rating most definitely did not reflect my actual opinion of it at the time.

So when this HOF was announced I hesitated to join. There are a number of Best Picture winners that I did NOT want to have to watch again. The Godfather and Rocky were among those. But rewatch The Godfather I did.

To my surprise, I didn't hate it this time. I can see why other people enjoy and respect it. It's well written, well acted, looks good, and tells an engaging story. However, I still didn't quite like it. I still just don't particularly care for the film's characters and can't bring myself to be in any way emotionally invested in their fates. But I can say that I at least wasn't bored this time. Perhaps one day, if I ever watch it again (questionable), I might even come to like it. But this is not a film that I will ever love.

As to the question of whether it the best film of its year? Eh, I prefer Deliverance but I don't fault the academy for choosing this. I'm going to stick to my original rating, only this time it isn't a lie.

3+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/rocky.gif

Rocky (John J. Alvidsen, 1976)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075148/?ref_=nv_sr_3)

Date Watched: 01/13/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: Yes.


The first time I attempted to watch this movie, I shut if off after about an hour. The second time, I made it through and hated every minute of it but still gave it a 2.5+. There will be none of that generosity today.

I understand wanting to root for an underdog. I get the appeal of watching someone rise up and make a name for his or herself. The problem is, I hate Rocky the character. He's a dim-witted brute who can't ever seem to shut the **** up. Everything about him grates on my nerves and I simply do not want him to succeed. Making things worse is that I don't like anybody else in the movie, either.

I also find myself underwhelmed by the film's technical aspects. The cinematography leaves no impression and the soundtrack leaves me rolling my eyes. Those training montages do the same.

If I'm going to watch a story about a boxer who rises up from nothing and defies the odds, it's going to be Cinderella Man. That's an underdog I can get behind. And if I'm going to watch Sylvester Stallone, it damn well better be Demolition Man in which his dim-witted brutishness is at least amusing.

Screw this movie.

1.5

[cricket]

I don't like Jack Black either but thought School of Rock was decent. It was probably due to the music.

[Joel]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/rocky.gif

Rocky (John J. Avildsen, 1976)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075148/?ref_=nv_sr_3)

Date Watched: 01/13/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: Yes.




Screw this movie.

1.5

Part 4 is where it's at, Vicky.

[Miss Vicky]

Part 4 is where it's at, Vicky.

I'll take your word for it.

[Joel]

I'll take your word for it.

Rocky is still very dumb, but the amazing scenery, camera work, editing, shameless rock soundtrack and music video montages, dopey charm and crowd pleasing themes of burying the cold war scare are all expedited top notch so, it's pure amped up 1980's glitz and chest beating. I think you will enjoy!

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/thesilenceofthelambs.gif

The Silence of the Lambs (Jonathon Demme, 1991)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102926/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 01/14/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: Yes.

I watched this movie one time many years ago, before I joined this forum I think. I don't recall actively disliking it, but I wasn't particularly impressed at the time, either. So I wasn't exactly excited when it was announced as a nomination for this Hall of Fame.

Thankfully, my experience with it this time was far more positive than the previous time. The performances of both Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster are excellent and the film creates atmosphere and tension that is almost palpable. The score enhances that sense of dread as does the cinematography. The story itself is engaging and I liked that the serial killer being hunted actually seems less threatening than the one assisting with the hunt. That said, it certainly wasn't my favorite crime thriller and I don't know that it's something I'll really want to revisit but it is very good and I'm glad this HOF forced me to give it another chance.

As to whether its win was deserved. I liked it a hell of a lot more than Beauty and the Beast but of the other nominations I've seen only JFK and I remember almost nothing about it so it's not a question I can honestly answer.

4-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/allthekingsmen.gif

All the King's Men (Robert Rossen, 1949)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041113/?ref_=nv_sr_2)

Date Watched: 01/14/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: No.

This film chronicles the rise and fall of an idealistic - or so he claims to be, at least - politician who becomes the very sort of person he rails against. The story itself is intriguing - the man's ideals get polluted until they give way to corruption and abuse of power that knows no limits and he drags down with him all that surround him and believe in him - but ultimately I didn't much like the movie.

Here's the problem: I didn't care. The performances are overly dramatic and they take me completely out of the film. These characters don't behave like normal people. Their mannerisms and speech are unnatural and exaggerated. I simply don't believe them. Making matters worse was the not infrequent narration (I don't want to be told what's happening in a movie!) and the intrusively loud score. Now I'm sure I'll get people criticizing my dislike of it because the film is simply of its time and these elements are typical of that era, but I don't care. If I can't engage emotionally, and I couldn't with this film, the experience is ruined for me.

I'll give credit where it's due for tackling such an important and still very much relevant issue, but that's about all the praise I can give it.

2.5+

[lenslady]

I never saw this film, but it s always been described as one of those 'important to see' movies - words that always cause me to go running for the hills. I trust in your observation that it seemed unreal and exaggerated- a film should have staying power regardless of its time . That said , I wonder if you ve ever seen The Candidate with Robert Redford? -the themes sound like they are similar. Interested in your evaluation of that film if you see it.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/onthewaterfront2nd.gif

On the Waterfront (Elia Kazan, 1954)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047296/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 01/15/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch? Yes.


I first watched this in 2016 in preparation for the MoFo 50's list. Having been very much impressed with Elia Kazan's East of Eden and with Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire, I went into my first viewing of On the Waterfront with high hopes. Unfortunately my experience was not what I'd expected and I found myself respecting the film while not actually enjoying it. It ultimately made my ballot for that list, but it was for lack of enough films I liked better.

Tonight's experience was a bit different. I still respect it as I did previously, but this time I actually found myself engaged with it. The performances are all very strong (though I'll admit my interest in Terry is due in part to how sexy Marlon Brando was back in the day), the story was interesting (I do tend to be a sucker for stories of redemption), and the film looks great.

But the main thing was that I actually cared this time. I wanted Terry to better himself and to prove that he wasn't a bum. I felt for his struggles and was sorry for his losses. I'm not sure what it was that kept me from feeling that way last time, but I'm glad I had to give it another chance. It's by no means a favorite nor do I think it ever will be, but I enjoyed it.

4

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/abeautifulmind.gif

A Beautiful Mind (Ron Howard, 2001)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268978/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 01/16/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch? Yes.


Whenever you watch a film that is based on true events and real people it's important to keep in mind that what you are watching is fiction. Right or wrong - and for various reasons - movie makers will omit or downplay certain aspects of their subjects and emphasize, embellish, or downright fabricate other aspects. This is something that should be expected and if you are looking to film - especially Hollywood - for lessons in history, you are looking in the wrong place.

Ron Howard, in my experience, is a director who is much more interested in telling a story that will move and inspire his audience than he is in teaching them anything factual. And I don't think there's anything wrong with that. A Beautiful Mind is not a movie about John Nash the Nobel Prize-winning mathematician, it's a movie about John Nash the character who was inspired by the Nobel Prize-winning mathematician of the same name.

And, for me at least, Ron Howard succeeds in making the story of this character moving and engaging. And while it may come across as a bit corny to some (and certainly there are scenes that I'm not overly fond of), I agree with the decision to represent Nash's delusions as largely visual despite what really happened because it makes them more plausibly believable to the audience, while still providing clues that plant doubt about what is real and what isn't.

As to the acting, I think Crowe turned in a solid performance. His lack of physical resemblance to the real John Nash is of little consequence to me. His facial expressions, speech patterns, and overall body language are well suited for the character as he is written and the end result is a performance that elicits my sympathy and a desire to see him succeed in overcoming the obstacles and hardships in his life.

While far from being a favorite of mine, A Beautiful Mind is nevertheless a film that I have always enjoyed. And to the question of whether it deserved best picture, well... I can't say. I've only seen one of its fellow nominees - which I hated - and it's not even my favorite film of 2001, but I do think it is worthy of some praise.

4+

[Miss Vicky]

I wonder if you ve ever seen The Candidate with Robert Redford? -the themes sound like they are similar. Interested in your evaluation of that film if you see it.

I haven't seen it. I typically avoid films that focus on politics and probably wouldn't ever have watched All the King's Men if it hadn't been nominated for the Hall of Fame.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/fido.gif

Fido (Andrew Currie, 2006)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457572/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt)

Date Watched: 12/21/17 (I think)
Cinema or Home: On the portable DVD player in the car
Reason For Watching: I felt like it.
Rewatch: Yes

When I hastily wrote up my thoughts about the various films I watched while on vacation, I overlooked this one. So, I'm going to do my best to write it up now.

Fido is a zombie movie unlike any other zombie movie I've seen. Set in a 1950's-esque fantasy world where zombies have been domesticated (sort of) and enslaved to serve their living masters, the movie tells the heartwarming yet violent, bizarre, and hilarious tale of the bond between one zombie and the lonely young boy he serves.

Billy Connolly is wonderful as that zombie, Fido, and conveys quite a range of emotion with only his facial expressions and a few grunts and groans. Carrie-Anne Moss, playing the boy's mother, is equally good as the housewife in heels who hides an independent nature and a violent side behind her big smile and good manners. The other performances are all quite solid as well and encompass some pretty eccentric characters - most notably a creepy yet funny neighbor who keeps a sexy zombie girlfriend.

Living side by side with death, school children are taught to use guns and to deliver kill shots to any rogue undead while their parents recite tales of their experiences in the Zombie Wars, when a cloud of radiation caused droves of the dead to rise up and people were forced to kill the reanimated corpses of friends and relatives. This fantastic clash of the colorful, picturesque neighborhood and the death, decay, and horrifying danger that lurks just outside its fences (and yet also toils within its fences, barely subdued and contained by "taming collars") makes for a pretty unique film watching experience.

Admittedly though, Fido is a little light on substance and I'd hesitate to call it a great movie, but it sure is amusing.

4+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/oneflewoverthecuckoosnest.gif

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (Milos Forman, 1975)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073486/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 1/17/2018
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: Yes

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is a film that is at once wonderfully uplifting and devastatingly tragic. It's also a masterful piece of cinema with an incredible ensemble cast and iconic performances that feel strikingly authentic.

Louise Fletcher in particular is absolutely chilling as Mildred Ratched, a nurse who rules the psychiatric ward with her icy stares and passive aggressive methods of oppression. Patient, polite, calm, and all too believable, she is truly one of cinema's most frightening villains. And of course Jack Nicholson is a delight as R.P. McMurphy - a criminal who sees a stint in the mental hospital as an easy way out of hard labor in a prison camp, naive to the possibility of an indefinite stay and the abuses its patients suffer. But as foolish as the man is in many ways, he is all too wise in others. And it is through his perspective that we as an audience get to see the other characters, damaged though they may be, as men.

But there is one performance that stands out to me as being stronger still than either Nicholson or Fletcher, and that is Brad Dourif as Billy Bibbit, a young patient struggling with a constant stutter and crippling anxiety. It's a role that is absolutely heartbreaking and Dourif handles it with amazing tenderness and understanding. (And looking over Dourif's IMDb page, I truly have to wonder what the hell happened. The few titles I recognize are not films that command respect and it appears as though his talent was wasted after this role.)

But there really isn't a weak performance to be found here and the film carries a tremendous amount of emotional weight. And though I've not seen all of its Best Picture competitors, I can still say with confidence that to me this is a film that is truly deserving of the title.

4.5-

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/gladcommodus.gif

Gladiator (Ridley Scott, 2000)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0172495/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 01/18/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Best Picture Hall of Fame
Rewatch: I've seen it more times than I can count.


Shortly after my nineteenth birthday, a film was released that would capture my attention and spark an obsession like no other film before or since. When I saw it for the first time, it was instant love. Everything about the movie just came together in such an incredible way and I just couldn’t get enough of it.

At just over two and half hours, Gladiator is a rather long movie. Yet it never feels that way. From the beginning, in which we the audience are thrown into the midst of battle - with all the mud, blood, confusion and death, to the quieter scenes of characters interacting, of plotting and deceit, to the final battle that pits hero and villain in a fight to the death, I’ve never found myself bored or checking the time.

Save for how loose it plays with history (which is not a problem for me), all the elements of the film are masterfully done. From that incredible Hans Zimmer score (the only film score I’ve ever bought), to the costumes and set design, to the gorgeous cinematography, to the stunts, practical effects and CGI that still look great today, nearly twenty years later. And, of course, there’s the acting. Russell Crowe earned a (very much deserved) Best Actor Oscar for his role as General Maximus, turning in a performance that is very impressive both physically and emotionally. Joaquin Phoenix turned in an incredibly intense and chilling performance as the sniveling, incestuous, power-drunk Commodus. What could easily have been a clichéd and two-dimensional character is saved by Phoenix’s innate ability to give every character he plays a sense of vulnerability and realness. It’s an absolute shame that he didn’t take home an Oscar as well. Connie Nielsen, Djimon Honsou, Derek Jacoby and veteran actors Richard Harris and Oliver Reed (who died before filming was complete, forcing rewrites and some of his scenes to be done in CG) all turn in excellent performances as well. All of these elements combine to form an experience that is at once thrilling and heartbreaking.

Obviously I’m not viewing this movie with an unbiased gaze, but – though it’s not my favorite film or even my favorite film of 2000 - I still whole-heartedly believe that Gladiator deserved every accolade it received.

5

[doubledenim]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/gladcommodus.gif

Gladiator (Ridley Scott, 2000)


At just over two and half hours, Gladiator is a rather long movie. Yet it never feels that way.

Reminds of me Forrest Gump. I don't really have that strong a feeling about it, I just remember how it seemed like it could keep going without getting old.

[Iroquois]

more like Bad-iator

[Miss Vicky]

more like Bad-iator

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/JoaqGifs/fujoaq.gif

[honeykid]

C'mon Iro. It's not bad. Average, but not bad. ;):D

[Captain Spaulding]

I'm happy to hear that you had a more enjoyable experience with most of your recent re-watches, especially for The Godfather and Silence of the Lambs. I haven't seen Moonlight or Mutiny on the Bounty yet, but I think highly of all the other BP winners you've watched except for Argo (not a fan of Affleck as an actor or director). It's a shame that you have such a disconnect with older films due to the difference in acting styles, but I know you aren't alone in that sentiment. My favorite aspect of much older films is probably the dialogue, which I often find much sharper and more stylized than in today's films. I like dialogue that pops, even if I can hear the echo of the screenwriter's typewriter.

I think Rocky is a great movie and a great character, but I've always been a bigger fan of Rambo in general. Is Demolition Man the only Stallone movie you like? I'm pleasantly surprised to see how much you enjoy Fido. There were a ton of zombie comedies that came out in the wake of Shaun of the Dead and most of them were forgettable, but I thought Fido was clever enough to separate itself from the horde. Been several years since I watched it, though.

As always, I love reading your thoughts on films. I just wish you watched more films so you could share your thoughts with us more often. You're a very good writer and you have excellent grammar. All that gay erotica has paid off. ;)

[Dani8]

As always, I love reading your thoughts on films. I just wish you watched more films so you could share your thoughts with us more often. You're a very good writer and you have excellent grammar. All that gay erotica has paid off. ;)

Yeah I cant disagree with that. Lovely writing style, MsV.

[Miss Vicky]

It's a shame that you have such a disconnect with older films due to the difference in acting styles, but I know you aren't alone in that sentiment. My favorite aspect of much older films is probably the dialogue, which I often find much sharper and more stylized than in today's films. I like dialogue that pops, even if I can hear the echo of the screenwriter's typewriter.

The dialogue is actually part of my problem. I like acting that is believable, so not only do I want characters that move and inflect in a natural way, but also use words and sentence structure in a way that a normal person would. Basically, I'm a sh*tty movie watcher. If something doesn't feel natural, it takes me right out of the movie. It's also the reason why I hate 99.99999% of musicals. Also fantasy. And a lot of Sci-Fi. And a lot of horror. :laugh:

I think Rocky is a great movie and a great character, but I've always been a bigger fan of Rambo in general. Is Demolition Man the only Stallone movie you like?

Demolition Man is the only Stallone movie I love. I do like Tango & Cash. I loved Cliffhanger when it was new, though I was much less enamored of it when I rewatched it last year. I vaguely recall liking Cop Land when I saw it in the theater, but that was 21 years ago and I haven't seen it since.

I've actually never seen Rambo. :eek:

I'm pleasantly surprised to see how much you enjoy Fido. There were a ton of zombie comedies that came out in the wake of Shaun of the Dead and most of them were forgettable, but I thought Fido was clever enough to separate itself from the horde. Been several years since I watched it, though.

It actually used to be in my top 100. I don't love it as much as I used to, but I definitely still found it funny and I agree about it being clever.

As always, I love reading your thoughts on films. I just wish you watched more films so you could share your thoughts with us more often. You're a very good writer and you have excellent grammar. All that gay erotica has paid off. ;)

:blush:

Thanks. I know I need to watch more movies. I keep telling myself I ought to watch something and then it doesn't happen for one reason or another. There should be a general Hall of Fame starting soon and I plan to join that so hopefully that'll inspire me to get watching again.

If nothing else, there are a number of upcoming Joaquin Phoenix films so you know I'll be watching those.

[Camo]

Was gonna make a big post asking Victoria stuff.

Should have just said - "..."

[Miss Vicky]

Was gonna make a big post asking Victoria stuff.

Should have just said - "..."

You suck.

[JayDee]

Seems you've been rather busy Victoria; delighted to see it as I always enjoy reading your thoughts. And I'm still taking credit for this thread existing in the first place so I'm glad to see it still going. :p

Boss Baby I kind of hated but glad it passed the time for you and your co-worker. I am in full agreement with you on Three BIllboards... however. Really good film; my favourite I've seen so far of the Oscar contenders. Though I agree there were a few moments that stretched credulity. As I've told you before I hated Evil Dead which put me off the sequels but due to your love for them, and the increased comedy, I plan on giving them a shot at some stage. I'm with you about how it would be best for the Despicable Me franchise to be put to bed. The first was a charming little surprise but the sequels and Minions have both been forgettable at best. And that's being pretty kind.

Argo I really need to watch again as it's a film that just made no impact on me whatsoever. Didn't dislike it. Didn't hate it. Didn't like or love it. It was just....nothing. Completely unmoved in any way. Hoping it was just the mood I was in. Forrest Gump I still love. And it features just one of many beautiful performances from Tom Hanks. As for Rocky, well you've once again broke my heart on that one. :cry: I quite like Silence of the Lambs but think both it, and Hopkins' performance, are very overrated. I'm one of those rare few that would give the edge to Manhunter as far as Hannibal films go. Will need to rewatch Fido at some point. I remember enjoying it but that's about all I remember of it.While I don't think dislike it to any degree I have no fondness whatsoever for One Flew Over... A little too close to the bone for me as far as mental health goes

Keep on churning out those reviews Victoria. :up:

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/glory.gif

Glory (Edward Zick, 1989)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097441/?ref_=ttgf_gf_tt)

Date Watched: 02/13/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 15th Hall of Fame, Nominated by SilentVamp
Rewatch: Yes

With its top-notch performances and moving story, Glory is a film I've long admired. But every time I watch it, I'm reminded of why each viewing has been so far apart: the carnage. The battle scenes are incredibly intense and it's a really tough watch, but a rewarding one as well.

The characters are what really make this movie and each of the major players is perfectly cast. Matthew Broderick, an actor I'm usually indifferent to, is wonderful as the idealistic and inexperienced young colonel who goes from being unsure of himself to being a leader to be admired. Morgan Freeman is, well... Morgan Freeman, and turns in a solid performance playing an older man who is respected by the others. Carey Elwes is very good as the second in command who struggles to balance his loyalties to his friends and his responsibilities as an officer. And then there's Denzel Washington in his well-deserved Oscar winning role, playing an escaped slave who - understandably - views the people around him with contempt but slowly learns to respect the other men.

On the more technical side of things, the film is beautifully shot and if it weren't for my long-standing familiarity with the film and with some of its actors, I might be surprised to find that it's almost 30 years old. But the movie is far from perfect. One major gripe I have with the film is the score. The music is rousing and effective, but it's also often overbearing and I really wish it would've been toned down.

The other big complaint I have is with the movie's perspective. While there's no denying that Colonel Shaw was an important figure in the 54th Regiment, this isn't a story that should've been told through the eyes of a white man. But such as it is, Glory is still a very moving film and my admiration for it remains intact.

4+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/outoftheblue.gif

Out of the Blue (Dennis Hopper, 1980)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081291/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 02/14/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 15th Hall of Fame, nominated by Cricket
Rewatch: No.

If I hadn’t already known who nominated this film before watching it, I would’ve figured it out very quickly. With its gritty feel and seedy characters, Out of the Blue screams “I am a Cricket nomination!” And sometimes I can get behind that grittiness, but this wasn’t one of those times.

Which is not to say that I hated it. I thought the performances were solid all around, and I really enjoyed the film’s soundtrack, but there wasn’t a single character I could get behind – either as someone I actually liked or as someone I really liked to hate. I tried very hard to care about Cebe – knowing that she was only a child and a product of her environment and of her careless parents – but she grated on my nerves and I failed to overcome my apathy.

The look of the film was also quite dark and very rough (though I’m not entirely sure if that was the intention of its creators, a result of a low budget, or just the fault of age and a crappy DVD transfer). At some points this roughness added to the feel of the film and at other points just made it hard to figure out what was going on because it was difficult to see.

Ultimately, I think the film has its merits but I didn’t like it very much.

3+

[rauldc14]

I was hoping this was the go around where Miss Vicky gets wowed by a nomination, but Out of the Blue for some reason was the one I thought would do it for her. I don't see it happening for another film here.

[Miss Vicky]

There have been a few HOFs where I really enjoyed a nom I'd not seen before. I liked The Broken Circle Breakdown a lot, for instance.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/shallowgrave.gif

Shallow Grave (Danny Boyle, 1994)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111149/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_21)

Date Watched: 02/15/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching:15th Hall of Fame, nominated by edarsenal
Rewatch: No.

Well that was a good bit of morbid, violent fun.

I went into this movie knowing absolutely nothing about it. I think the only other Danny Boyle films I’ve see were 28 Days Later, which I barely remember at all having seen it only once many years ago, and The Beach, which I have mixed feelings about. But right away I was drawn in. The film’s main trio of characters are a**holes – and we learn this from the very start. They take pleasure in tormenting others for their own amusement and we never really see a redeeming side to any of them nor do we ever learn much about them as people.

And yet, their journey from a relatively carefree existence, to one of paranoia, fear, deceit and violence is a really fascinating watch. As they began to turn on each other I found myself a bit conflicted as to which a**hole – if any – I wanted to see walk away with the prize and ultimately I was happy with the outcome.

But, aside from an entertaining story, there’s not a whole lot to say about this one as I really didn’t notice anything else. I suppose the cinematography and score worked well enough; I have no complaints about either. The performances were fine, but I don’t feel like these were roles that really demanded much of the people playing them.

All in all a good way to spend 90 minutes, but not anything I would consider particularly memorable.

3.5+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/aguirre.gif

Aguirre, the Wrath of God (Werner Herzog, 1972)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068182/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 02/17/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching:15th Hall of Fame, nominated by Siddon
Rewatch: No.

With as much praise as Aguirre receives on this forum, I kind of expected to be wowed by it. That did not happen. I didn't hate it or even particularly dislike it - I thought the setting and costumes all looked wonderful and the performances were solid enough - but there was nothing in the story or in its characters that might enable me to overcome my apathy. As character after character died or disappeared I felt nothing and were it not for the film's brevity, boredom would probably have eventually set in.

Meh.

3

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/thestationagent.gif

The Station Agent (Tom McCarthy, 2003)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340377/?ref_=tt_urv)

Date Watched: 02/17/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching:15th Hall of Fame, nominated by Joel
Rewatch: No.

I made the mistake of watching the trailer before watching the movie and so I went into this expecting a light hearted comedy. While it certainly does have some comedic elements, The Station Agent is really a quiet film about a quiet man who wants nothing more than to be left alone and about the people who push their way into his life and refuse to go away.

Peter Dinklage does well to carry the film and to portray the every day struggles of an ordinary man who, because of his dwarfism, cannot find the anonymity and invisibility he seeks and who has suffered much cruelty because of it. Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale are also both wonderful as two of the people who insert themselves into his life. Both come off as a bit obnoxious in the beginning, but the bond the trio forms is really endearing and makes for a very sweet and heartfelt film.

Because the film centers so much on human relationships, there's not a lot to be said about anything beyond the characters. There's not much of a story here - just lonely, damaged people coming together. There's not much action. There's no real special effects. There was nothing that stood out as remarkable to me in the cinematography or the score. But a film like this doesn't really need those things. It just needs strong performances and in that it is not lacking.

4

[Dani8]

I like that kind of movie for a bit of charm and change of pace. What's the scenery like, V?

For $500,000 I would be relying on the acting rather than anything else, and The Dinklemeister always provides.

[Miss Vicky]

I like that kind of movie for a bit of charm and change of pace. What's the scenery like, V?

It's set in rural New Jersey, so there's not a whole lot to talk about there, either. I mean, I guess the scenery is pretty if you're into grass and trees. Dinklage's character doesn't drive and is obsessed with trains but doesn't ever seem to ride them. He spends a lot of time sitting on a bench or walking the tracks.

[cricket]

There have been a few HOFs where I really enjoyed a nom I'd not seen before. I liked The Broken Circle Breakdown a lot, for instance.

I loved that

[Dani8]

It's set in rural New Jersey, so there's not a whole lot to talk about there, either. I mean, I guess the scenery is pretty if you're into grass and trees. Dinklage's character doesn't drive and is obsessed with trains but doesn't ever seem to ride them. He spends a lot of time sitting on a bench or walking the tracks.

Thanks, V. Reminds me of comments made about Call Me By Your Name, that all the cashed up newly groovy blue rinse set will buy time share in the northern italian location sight unseen because it has such beautiful scenery. Maybe I've just been spoilt but I didnt think it was anything to really send a postcard home about. I wouldnt watch that movie just for the countryside, let's just say.

[Citizen Rules]

It's set in rural New Jersey, so there's not a whole lot to talk about there, either. I mean, I guess the scenery is pretty if you're into grass and trees. Dinklage's character doesn't drive and is obsessed with trains but doesn't ever seem to ride them. He spends a lot of time sitting on a bench or walking the tracks. Were you surprised to see how rural New Jersey was in the movie? I was, it was like hey! they have rednecks there in big old pickup trucks. I was surprised a bit by that.

[Miss Vicky]

Were you surprised to see how rural New Jersey was in the movie? I was, it was like hey! they have rednecks there in big old pickup trucks. I was surprised a bit by that.

I was, yeah. Definitely not the sort of setting I associate with the state, but I suppose just about all of the states have a few places like that.

[Dani8]

The Station Agent (Tom McCarthy, 2003)

Ha! I just saw this quote and thought of your review.


Ari Gold: We all loved you in The Station Agent, Peter.

Peter Dinklage: ****in' hope so. That's why I signed on with you people.

Ari Gold: Well if you woulda signed on earlier, we coulda slipped you into Bad Santa.

Peter Dinklage: Actually, I passed on that. Though, thank you.

Ari Gold: You're on of the biggest actors in this town Peter.

Peter Dinklage: What is that, a play on words or something ********? I tolerate agents, I don't like them.

Harvey Weingard: PETER! Don't listen to a word this bum says.

Peter Dinklage: **** off, Harvey.

Ari Gold: Whoa. He's an angry little ****er, isn't he?

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/americangraffiti.gif

American Graffiti (George Lucas, 1973)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069704/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_40)

Date Watched: 02/19/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 15th Hall of Fame, nominated by Citizen Rules
Rewatch: No.

Well, I liked the soundtrack anyway.

There's nothing really wrong with this film, it just wasn't for me. Movies for and about teens tend to be very hit or miss with me. If I can relate to the characters and to the situations in which they find themselves I tend to get drawn in and enjoy it. I couldn't really relate to anything in American Graffiti and found most of its characters to be rather annoying. Aside from the music, which was wonderful, about the only thing that interested me was seeing the film's stars in the earlier part of their careers, but the novelty of that soon wore off and I was frequently checking the time.

2.5

[JayDee]

Lovely to return to another flurry of reviews. As always very well written Victoria. I especially liked your Station Agent write-up, thought that was very well done. :up: And I largely agree with you on the films featured. Neither Aguirre or American Graffiti did anything for me really. Glory I remember really liking but I've not seen it in decades and remember pretty much nothing more than that. Station Agent is a film I really like; very touching and endearing little film with some great performances. Not seen Shallow Grave

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/theelephantman.gif

The Elephant Man (David Lynch, 1980)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080678/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 02/22/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching:15th Hall of Fame, nominated by jiraffejustin
Rewatch: No.

Joseph Merrick was a man with severe physical deformities who was exhibited in freak shows in the 1880s, billed as "The Elephant Man." He was befriended by a surgeon named Frederick Treves who documented his condition and offered him care and lodging at the London Hospital. The film entitled The Elephant Man tells his story... sort of...

...and it didn't do a very good job of it, in my opinion. I realize that this film was perhaps at least influenced by the play of the same name rather than totally on the real Joseph Merrick (both the film and the play call him John Merrick, though I read somewhere that the misnomer was the fault of Dr. Treves's writings) and normally historical inaccuracies don't bother me, but I must admit it bothered me here. I feel like the film needlessly made Merrick out to be more of a victim than he really was and, frankly, this portrayal of Merrick here made him seem less than human. I don't mean that in reference to his deformities or to the way in which the others in the film treated him, but rather in reference to his own behavior. I very much had trouble buying that a man who suffered that much cruelty (according to the film anyway, there's nothing that I've read about the real Merrick that would suggest that his exhibition as a freak was not by his own choice or that any promoter was physically abusive to him), and who was in full possession of his mental faculties, would be so utterly devoid of anger or bitterness.

Which is not to say that there was anything lacking in the performances. John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins did well enough with the characters they were given, but the exaggerated situations and the characters' reactions to them just didn't click with me. The result was that the delivery of the film's message of acceptance and charity just didn't strike a chord and by the time we hear Merrick cry "I'm not an animal! I am a human being!," I was too disinterested to care.

I should give praise though for the look of the film. The prosthetics and make up, costuming, set and prop design, and the cinematography were all very good, but overall the film just didn't work for me.

2.5+

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/inthemoodforlove.gif

In the Mood for Love Faa yeung nin wa (Kar-Wai Wong, 2000)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118694/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 02/24/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 15th Hall of Fame, nominated by Thursday Next
Rewatch: No.

In the Mood for Love is an very sensual film. The colors, the fashion, and the music all work splendidly to create a work of art that is incredibly arousing (as the title would suggest) and yet contains no sex. From a strictly asthetic standpoint, the film is absolutely stunning and the brilliant hues, beautiful patterns, and skillful cinematography were more than enough to hold my interest through its rather brief runtime.

Unfortunately, however, I felt very little for the characters themselves and was emotionally unaffected by their inability to be together. I don't doubt that the fault in that lies with me, however, and even with that disconnect this is a film that I admired.

3.5+

[Miss Vicky]

I also rewatched Hedwig and the Angry Inch (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1468279#post1468279) on Thursday night. Still love it and rate it 5, but didn't feel a need to write it up again.

[rauldc14]

What characters in film history have you actually felt you cared about? Maybe a list of 10 or so just so we can get an idea. I feel you say that about every film Miss Vicky

[Mr Minio]

Phoenix in anything, because she'd bang him.

A couple of animated characters, because they're cute.

[Miss Vicky]

What characters in film history have you actually felt you cared about? Maybe a list of 10 or so just so we can get an idea. I feel you say that about every film Miss Vicky

Every major character in every film in my top 100, to start with.

Well, okay, maybe not the ones in Showgirls, but the rest of them.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/rebecca.gif

Rebecca (Alfred Hitchcock, 1940)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032976/?ref_=nv_sr_8)

Date Watched: 02/27/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 15th Hall of Fame, nominated by Cosmic Runaway
Rewatch: No.

This was my tenth Hitchcock, if memory serves, and I've had kind of a spotty history with the director. Some of his films I've greatly admired, others I enjoyed a lot, others I enjoyed only somewhat, and one I absolutely hated. So I really wasn't sure what to expect with Rebecca.

And what I got was somewhere in the middle. The film overall was solidly made if ultimately unimpressive. The story was engaging, the camerawork was well done and the performances mostly ranged from very good to serviceable. But there were some things about it that bugged. First and foremost the decision to change the death of Rebecca from murder, as it was in the novel, to an accident just felt like a lame attempt to keep the audience from disliking Maxim and it felt very out of place to me. Second, I didn't buy the romance between Maxim and his new bride at all and had little sympathy for what she experienced at Manderley at the hands of both the housekeeper and her husband. (Word to the wise: Don't marry somebody you've only known for a few days!) I also found the wife's naivete to be far more annoying than endearing. And third, the inquiry into Rebecca's death just seemed half-assed and rushed. I get that the justice system and investigation techniques weren't anywhere near as advanced as they are today, but I still didn't buy it.

Still, I never found myself getting bored and my complaints aren't especially major ones. It's just not something that I'm likely to ever watch again and, to be honest, I will probably have forgotten most of it by next week.


3+

[JayDee]

I've definitely seen Rebecca but can't remember what I thought about it. Out of interest what was the Hitchcock film you hated?

[mark f]

The Birds

[Miss Vicky]

I've definitely seen Rebecca but can't remember what I thought about it. Out of interest what was the Hitchcock film you hated?

The Birds

^That.

[JayDee]

Ah yes that rings a bell now. I'd have to agree with you on that. While I do intend to give it another chance some day I just kind of hated it. His only film I've actively disliked that I've seen

Oh and 60 pages! Congrats on the landmark! :D

[Dani8]

What didnt you like about The Birds? I havent seen it for years but remember enjoying it. Really scared me because magpies do that here. They just gang up on poor humans.

ETA: the humans probably deserve it.

[Miss Vicky]

What didnt you like about The Birds? I havent seen it for years but remember enjoying it. Really scared me because magpies do that here. They just gang up on poor humans.

It's been ages since I watched it so the details are hazy, but I do recall finding the ending to be particularly anti-climactic. It was the first Hitchcock movie I ever saw and it nearly put me off of watching any of his others. I do actually own it on DVD (as part of a Hitchcock boxed set) so maybe at some point I'll give it another chance, but I'm not in any rush.

[Dani8]

Thanks. I dont even remember the end so that seems fair enough.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/lavventura.gif

L'Avventura (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1960)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053619/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 03/03/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: 15th Hall of Fame, nominated by rauldc14
Rewatch: No.

I'll grant that this film is very beautiful from a visual standpoint and the performances were strong, however that's all the praise I can give it. I actively despised all of its characters and really struggled to get through nearly two and half hours of watching a bunch of self-absorbed pieces of **** be self-absorbed pieces of ****.

2-

[JayDee]

Even when it's short you've got to love a Miss Vicky review - she doesn't mince her words! :D

[Gatsby]

Well, okay, maybe not the ones in Showgirls, but the rest of them.
What? You mean you can't relate to strippers more attractive when in clothing spitting out awful, expository dialogue? :p

[Mr Minio]

I'll grant that this film is very beautiful from a visual standpoint and the performances were strong, however that's all the praise I can give it. I actively despised all of its characters and really struggled to get through nearly two and half hours of watching a bunch of self-absorbed pieces of **** be self-absorbed pieces of ****.

2- If the film starred Phoenix in a triple role, you'd be singing otherwise.

[Miss Vicky]

If the film starred Phoenix in a triple role, you'd be singing otherwise.

Yes because I absolutely adore every movie that man's been in.

Okay maybe not The Master.
Or It's All About Love.
Or The Yards.
Or We Own the Night.
Or Two Lovers.
Oh and Mary Magdalene doesn't look promising either.

[rauldc14]

If the film starred Phoenix in a triple role, you'd be singing otherwise.

How do you rate L'Avventura Minio?

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/wiseblood.gif

Wise Blood (John Huston, 1979)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080140/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 03/04/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: Brad Dourif, recommended by Citizen Rules
Rewatch: No.

After much admiring his performance as Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, I was interested in seeing more of Brad Dourif. He takes the lead role here as a bitter, possibly sociopathic war veteran with a grudge against religion, who becomes a preacher for his own anti-church.

I thought the performances were mostly strong, particularly Dourifs - though it was nowhere near as impressive as his performance in Cuckoo's Nest - and I enjoyed the wry humor. However, I was very much put off by the frequent use of the N word and it kind of soured my experience. I also wasn't too keen on Dan Shor's Enoch Emory character and wasn't sure what the point of him even was.

Still an overall enjoyable film, if not one that was especially memorable.

3+

[Citizen Rules]

@Miss Vicky (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=55955)
Wise Blood

Very cool that you watched this and liked it too. I totally agree with you that the two things I didn't like was the frequent use of the N word. I mean why? that didn't really seem to fit the movie which was about religious charlatans and zealots. That use of the N word bugged me.

I did not like Dan Shor's Enoch Emory character, either. As soon as the movie was over I was wishing I could have co-directed it (I do that a lot, ha) and I would have cut the Enoch character straight out of it.

Did you notice that it looked and felt like a period piece set in depression era 1930s, and yet there were modern clothes and cars in some of the shots? I thought that was weird. But yeah I still liked it, it's unique.

[Mr Minio]

How do you rate L'Avventura Minio? 4.5 ;)

[honeykid]

If anything she rated it too highly. OK, there's no "if anything", she did. :p

[Mr Minio]

If anything she rated it too highly. OK, there's no "if anything", she did. :p A person whose third favourite of all time is Charlie's Angels is not too credible. Sorry. :leo:

[Captain Spaulding]

I moderately liked Glory and American Graffiti. The Station Agent, In the Mood for Love and Wise Blood have been on my radar for awhile. Looking forward to Out of the Blue whenever I get a chance to watch it. Not looking forward to L'Avventura, but I'll watch it one day. Had never heard of Shallow Grave until it was nominated in the Hall of Fame.

I expected you to hate Aguirre, so the apathetic three-popcorn rating feels like a win. I didn't like Aguirre at all the first time I watched it, yet the movie lingered on my mind for so long afterwards that I eventually gave it another shot and loved it. Now it's one of my favorites. Such a haunting film. The on-location filming lends the film an incredible level of verisimilitude, as if Herzog traveled back a few hundred years and filmed actual conquistadors, and nobody plays a madman more convincingly than real-life madman Klaus Kinski.

You're one of the very few I've seen not be emotionally affected by The Elephant Man. Ever seen any of Lynch's other work? I thought Rebecca was mid-tier Hitchcock until I re-watched it for the 40's Countdown. Now I think it's up there with Psycho and Rear Window as one of his best.

BTW, I finally watched U Turn the other day, one of your top 100, and I have to regretfully inform you that I absolutely despised it. The film boasts an amazing cast, and I can appreciate the kookiness of the characters, but Oliver Stone's direction is so obnoxious and distractingly ostentatious that it ruined the film for me. Your boy-toy didn't have as much screen time as I would've expected, either. Billy Bob Thornton was my favorite part of the film.

[Miss Vicky]

Yeah I'm not surprised to see you hated U Turn. It's definitely not a movie that's going to appeal to everyone. Stone's directing didn't bother me, probably because I get too wrapped up in the crazy characters.

From Lynch, I've seen and hated Eraserhead and Mulholland Drive.

[honeykid]

Watch The Straight Story.

[Dani8]

I also rewatched Hedwig and the Angry Inch (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1468279#post1468279) on Thursday night. Still love it and rate it 5, but didn't feel a need to write it up again.

that's a beautiful write up, as they all are,and my interest is peaked by most of these movies on the last couple of pages, and by captain spaulding's and citizen rules' commentaries in reply. Thanks.

[JayDee]

Watch The Straight Story.

I thought you liked MV. Why you trying to inflict that snoozefest on her? :p

[honeykid]

She's wonderful, that's why I'm trying to get her to see the simple brilliance that is The Straight Story.

[Miss Vicky]

I rewatched Coco (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1829900#post1829900) last night at a friend's house. Without having that Frozen crap to sour my mood, I enjoyed it more this time and I had better appreciation for some of the details but still didn't love it. I'd probably only upgrade it to a 4.

I also watched a fan recording of the Hedwig and the Angry Inch stage show on YouTube from the 2015 tour. It's definitely a different experience than the movie but I really enjoyed it. I'm sad now that I chose not to catch the show when it was in my area (though the show that was near me didn't have John Cameron Mitchell in the lead). If they tour again I'll have to try to see it.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/captainunderpants.gif

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (David Soren 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2091256/?ref_=tt_urv)

Date Watched: 03/23/18
Cinema or Home: My friend's house
Reason For Watching: My friend and I are fools who make bad decisions.
Rewatch: No.

"It's a Dreamworks movie, how bad can it be?"

Those were the words my friend spoke before pressing play on this unfunny pile of crap last night. Now, I am aware that the movie was based on a series of children's books and I don't know how much of the blame our experience last night rests with the source material. However, what I do know is that the movie tried really hard to be funny and yet not hard enough because it failed miserably.

The story was stupid. The jokes fell flat. The character designs were ugly. Oh and the notion that nobody would think anything strange of a grown-ass man in his tighty whities walking down the halls of a school (where he works as the principal) or hanging out in a tree house with a couple of little boys is pretty much the only thing laughable about this film.

1.5

[seanc]

Conspiracy can be laid to rest. Miss Vicky is not a ten year old boy. Rest easy Mofo.

I actually haven't sat through the whole thing MV, but my boys think it's hilarious.

[Camo]

I liked the books when i was a kid. I was supposed to be taking my niece and nephew to see that but something came up, looks like i dodged a bullet.

Also Dreamworks sucks.

[seanc]

Also Dreamworks sucks.

I mostly agree but have to admit I was charmed by HTTYD a bit.

[Camo]

I mostly agree but have to admit I was charmed by HTTYD a bit.

HTTYD is actually one of my favourite animated films, i also loved Prince of Egypt as a kid not sure how it would hold up now. Liked the first two Shrek's as a kid but they didn't hold up as an adult. Everything else i've seen from them is terrible though. It's baffling how weak they are compared to Disney/Pixar/Ghibli/Aardman considering the budgets they have. Like i don't believe there's anyone that exists whose favourite Animation Studio is Dreamworks haha.

[seanc]

HTTYD is actually one of my favourite animated films, i also loved Prince of Egypt as a kid not sure how it would hold up now. Liked the first two Shrek's as a kid but they didn't hold up as an adult. Everything else i've seen from them is terrible though. It's baffling how weak they are compared to Disney/Pixar/Ghibli/Aardman considering the budgets they have. Like i don't believe there's anyone that exists whose favourite Animation Studio is Dreamworks haha.

I was totally bored by Prince and have always hated the Shrek movies. The Ice Age movies are horrendous as well. Of course I may have a couple years of age on you that is influencing my opinions...just a couple years.

[Camo]

I was totally bored by Prince and have always hated the Shrek movies. The Ice Age movies are horrendous as well. Of course I may have a couple years of age on you that is influencing my opinions...just a couple years.

I haven't seen Prince of Egypt since i was 12 or something so yeah no clue if i'll feel the same now. Just looked them up and another i liked as a kid that i don't think would hold up now is Antz, i actually liked that better than A Bug's Life then. The rest are so bad though, Shark Tale is a strong contender for worst animated film i've seen and the only worse big studio one to me is Home On The Range.

[honeykid]

While I'd probably agree with you about this film, MV, I've not seen it. However, what you say here is pretty much how I feel about all these films. Sorry. :o

[Miss Vicky]

Conspiracy can be laid to rest. Miss Vicky is not a ten year old boy. Rest easy Mofo.

I actually haven't sat through the whole thing MV, but my boys think it's hilarious.

While I've never been a boy, I'm pretty sure I would've hated this if I'd seen it when I was ten.

Also Dreamworks sucks.

Dreamworks has a spotty record, but I wouldn't say they suck. I love the Shrek films (not counting the Puss in Boots movie), Over the Hedge, and How to Train Your Dragon. I also like Madagascar and Monsters Vs. Aliens. I also don't mind Shark Tale.

While I'd probably agree with you about this film, MV, I've not seen it. However, what you say here is pretty much how I feel about all these films. Sorry. :o

:tsk:

[Camo]

More like Dreamsucks... :coleman:

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/emoji.gif

The Emoji Movie (Tony Leondis, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4877122/)

Date Watched: 03/29/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I'm beginning to suspect that I might be a bit of a masochist
Rewatch: No.

Possible Spoilers Ahead (as if you care)

As I sat through The Emoji Movie, one thought kept repeating in my head: This is a poor man's Wreck-It Ralph.

And by "poor," I mean destitute, homeless, and starving. The story centers around Gene, a character in a digital world who doesn't quite fit the role his society has assigned to him and he sets out on a mission to make things right. Perhaps in a bid to avoid outright plagiarism from that other, superior film, this protagonist isn't seeking to prove that he can be something else, but rather he's seeking to become what he is expected to be. And in his quest he teams up with a fellow outcast - who turns out to be a princess (sound familiar?) - and they form a bond.

Along the way, there's lots of site gags and references to real games and apps, but whereas this produced a nostalgic and warm feeling in Wreck-It Ralph, here it just feels tedious and uninspired. Which pretty much sums up the film itself.

And yet, somehow, I didn't actively hate it. Mind you, I didn't like it, but I never actually found myself audibly groaning or wanting to hurl objects and profanity at the screen. I was mostly just apathetic to it. I was the "Meh" that Gene was supposed to be.

2-

[Camo]

As I sat through The Emoji Movie, one thought kept repeating in my head: This is a poor man's Wreck-It Ralph.

And by "poor," I mean destitute, homeless, and starving.

:laugh:

I do think your crusade to see all the western animated films is taking you to some dark places. Also 2 might be the highest rating i've seen for it.

[Iroquois]

I wouldn't mind such a comparatively high rating if it weren't also higher than the one you gave out for Captain Underpants.

[Miss Vicky]

I wouldn't mind such a comparatively high rating if it weren't also higher than the one you gave out for Captain Underpants.

Rating The Emoji Movie higher than Captain Underpants was deliberate. I was apathetic to the former and actively hated the latter.

[Iroquois]

commodusthumbsdown.gif

[Camo]

#startthecountdownfvckface

Woah! Didn't expect the censor to find me out there but fair enough.

[Iroquois]

gotta wait for everyone to get their votes in, bro

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/ferdinand.gif

Ferdinand (Carlos Saldanha, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3411444/?ref_=nv_sr_2)

Date Watched: 04/06/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I needed entertainment while I exercised
Rewatch: No.

Well this was stupid. Not that I was expecting a lot from it. I just needed something to keep me mildly entertained while I was on the treadmill, since it was too rainy to take a walk yesterday. And the film served that function well enough.

I did like the look of Ferdinand. I thought the animation and character designs were solid, if not particularly impressive. I also thought the voice performances were fine. Not great, but nothing to complain about. Unfortunately my praise ends there.

The movie tries far too hard to be funny and it more often left me scratching my head than emitting even a faint chuckle. Useless characters (like the Scottish Highland bull named "Angus" who was supposed to be funny because... Scottish characters are inherently funny... or something? WTF) and irritatingly stupid situations (like a dance off between the bulls and some neighboring horses) were shoehorned-in (in what I can only assume was an effort to pad the story to feature length) and I felt like I could feel my IQ dropping from just watching it.

All that said though, I went into this movie expecting it to be stupid, so I can't say I was really disappointed. I had held a small hope though of at least getting a tinge of nostalgia from it. I enjoyed The Story of Ferdinand - the children's book on which the film is based - quite a lot when I was a kid, but there was no warm feeling to be had. The basic ideas of the book are here, but they're just so diluted with stupid attempts at humor that the film fails to achieve any emotional impact. I still hated it less than Captain Underpants though. So there's that.

2+

[nat666195]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/jurassicworld.gif

Jurassic World (Colin Trevorrow, 2015)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0369610/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 10/27/16
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I stayed home sick from work and wanted some mindless entertainment
Rewatch: Yes, I think this was my fourth time seeing it

I know this is not an especially popular film around here, but I do not and likely never will understand the hate it gets. I've seen people complain about there being "nothing new" here and they say that the characters are flat. I really have to ask (again) what were people expecting? It was only ever going to be a movie about a dinosaur amusement park where the dinosaurs break free and start killing people, just like the three Jurassic Park movies that came before it. And I don't recall any real depth to any of the characters in those other films, nor do I care much about characters in a film like this.

I care about people being hunted by giant predators and I care about cool special effects. Jurassic World has plenty of both.

rating_4-

I thought Jurassic world was a good film. A new take on it sort of. This film deserves some love around here. Good pick miss Vicky

[JayDee]

Useless characters (like the Scottish Highland bull named "Angus" who was supposed to be funny because... Scottish characters are inherently funny... or something? WTF)


You mean we're not? :p

Sorry you've had such a rough run with the recent animated films. Hopefully something comes along soon to break your bad run. Incredibles 2 maybe?

[Miss Vicky]

Hopefully something comes along soon to break your bad run. Incredibles 2 maybe?

It does look good, but - except for Toy Story 3 - all of Pixar's sequels and prequels have fallen well short of the quality of the originals. Here's hoping that's not the case again.

[KeyserCorleone]

It's got Brad Bird at the wheel, so there's a light in the darkness for you.

[KeyserCorleone]

The Emoji Movie should have been deleted, if not send to the trash.

[Miss Vicky]

The Emoji Movie should have been deleted, if not send to the trash.

It's better than Captain Underpants. :shrug:

[nat666195]

The Emoji Movie should have been deleted, if not send to the trash.

It's better than Captain Underpants. :shrug:

Captain underpants was crap. My 8 year old daughter even got bored of it.

[JayDee]

It does look good, but - except for Toy Story 3 - all of Pixar's sequels and prequels have fallen well short of the quality of the originals. Here's hoping that's not the case again.

There was actually an animated film I heard about recently that made me think of you as I thought it might appeal to you. Was called Breadwinner I believe. Looked a million miles away from stuff like Ferdinand and Emoji Movie; much more in the vein of Persepolis and Waltz With Bashir, both of which I believe you were a fan of

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/callmebyyourname.gif

Call Me By Your Name (Luca Guadagnino, 2017)
Imdb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5726616/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/12/18
Cinema or Home: Home
Reason For Watching: I'd heard good things about it
Rewatch: No.

I watched this a few days ago, but I've had a very difficult time coming up with something to say about it.

I went into this film expecting to really like it a lot, but came away only thinking it was pretty good. I'm not sure how much of the fault there lies with the film though as everything about it was solid. It looked great, the performances were good and the story was interesting. And yet I felt a sort of disconnect from it all.

Perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood for a slow burn drama like this and I do plan to revisit it at some point in the future. Here's hoping I get better results next time.

3.5-

[Miss Vicky]

There was actually an animated film I heard about recently that made me think of you as I thought it might appeal to you. Was called Breadwinner I believe. Looked a million miles away from stuff like Ferdinand and Emoji Movie; much more in the vein of Persepolis and Waltz With Bashir, both of which I believe you were a fan of

I just watched the trailer and it looks really good. I'll have to check it out at some point.

[JayDee]

I just watched the trailer and it looks really good. I'll have to check it out at some point.

Glad to be of service in alerting you to its existence. Hopefully you enjoy it whenever you're able to check it out

Sorry you didn't take to Call Me By Your Name as much as you were hoping/expecting. Not seen it myself yet but thought it might appeal to you

EDIT - There was actually another animated film I saw something about earlier on. Was called Big Fish and Begonia (the unusual name caught my eye); didn't look into it enough to know what it was about but visually looked to be a rather beautiful film

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/big.gif

Big (Penny Marshall, 1988)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094737/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)

Date Watched: 04/20/18
Cinema or Home: Friend's house
Reason For Watching: She wanted to introduce her children to it
Rewatch: Yes.

Big was one of my favorite movies growing up, but it's not a film that I've revisited much as an adult. I had quite a bit of fun watching it last night. Although I'm not as enamored of it as I was as a child, its innocent and playful charm was a nice change of pace from my usual, much heavier, live action fare. Unfortunately, my friend's demon spawn children grew bored of it rather quickly and were restless and disruptive, which may account at least in part for why I didn't love it as much as I once did.

Still a very enjoyable watch though.

3.5+

[JayDee]

I still adore Big. Just such a lovely film with a brilliant performance from Hanks.


Unfortunately, my friend's demon spawn children grew bored of it rather quickly and were restless and disruptive, which may account at least in part for why I didn't love it as much as I once did.


See, there's the problem! Kids! Kids ruin everything! :D

[rauldc14]

I know I've seen parts of the whole film, but definitely not all of it.

[Miss Vicky]

http://www.angelfire.com/music6/walteregan/MovieLog/youwereneverreallyhere.gif

You Were Never Really Here (Lynne Ramsay, 2017)
Imdb (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5742374/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

Date Watched: 04/22/18
Cinema or Home: Cinema
Reason For Watching: Joaquin Phoenix
Rewatch: No.

In terms of its story, You Were Never Really Here offers nothing new. It's a character study of a traumatized war veteran who uses his skills to find and rescue a girl who has been trafficked. But what struck me about the film was how authentic and un-Hollywood it felt.

There are so many ways in which the film could've easily fallen into tired cliché. The scenes of violence could've been highly stylized with an overwrought score blaring over the carnage. But they aren't. They're much more quiet and almost matter-of-fact. And where another film's central character might over-emote and put on his best "rage" face as he goes in, guns blazing, or otherwise employ some martial arts skill shoe-horned in for the cool factor, this one chooses simple weapons and displays no showy style in using them. But the thing that I found most striking was his reaction to the things that happened - which is to say silence and a certain numbness, punctuated by moments of anguish or even unexpected humanity. And in this role, of course, Joaquin Phoenix is excellent.

You Were Never Really Here remains fiercely independent of Hollywood flash in other ways, too. Once rescued, there are no tearful, dramatic thank yous from the girl. Instead, she exhibits that same quiet numbness born of unspeakable trauma. And for our veteran, we get glimpses of his trauma in the form of flashbacks, but there's no overbearingly emotional score to heighten our sense of sadness at what we are seeing. The film's cinematography and score are impressive without being showy. And the film's conclusion offers no real closure and only a small hint of optimism.

At just under 90 minutes, the film is relatively brief, but it is a slow burn and doesn't offer any real rewards to the attention deficient. It requires full investment and the payoff of this haunting tale is well worth it.

4+

[Swan]

So glad you liked it, and your review highlights some great points. I think because Ramsay chose to not over-explain, the film is even more successful in it's attempts to really get into Joe's head. The movie feels as psychologically torn-up as Joe is.

[Cobpyth]

Glad you liked it, Miss Vicky!

It's always satisfying when a film you're really looking forward to, also really seems to work for you when you can finally watch it.

I had a similar experience with Phantom Thread last year and I'm glad you had this with You Were Never Really Here, which is also one of my favorites of 2017.

[JayDee]

Really glad you enjoyed You Were Never Really Here. I know how much you look forward to new work from your beloved Joaquin.

[Mr Minio]

Miss Vicky: Do you log every film you watch in this thread, or just some of them? Your quantity is pretty low!